Booker's Bourbon 2023-02 “Apprentice Batch”

This batch is made up of barrels that were aged in six different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Apprentice Batch” is as follows:

7% came from the 7th floor of 9-story warehouse H

9% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse W

11% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1

18% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse O

19% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse G

36% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

The liquid is a medium amber color from the seven years spent aging in the white oak barrels. The oak-forward aroma is well-balanced with notes of vanilla and toasted nuts, and all together the result is really pleasant. After the first sip, you’ll find the long finish doesn’t overpower the warm taste. I know Carl and Booker would’ve been proud of this batch and enjoyed it together after a long day's work at the distillery.

Label Inspiration

The second release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2023-02 “Apprentice Batch.” This batch pays homage to the early days of my dad Booker Noe’s career – far before he was the Sixth Generation Master Distiller – when he first learned the art of making bourbon under the guidance of his cousin Carl Beam.

When Booker started working at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont in 1952, Carl became like a mentor to him. Back then, they didn’t have official titles like Master Distiller, but everyone knew Carl was in charge. He didn't put up with any foolishness and made sure Booker was set straight. But even if Booker did mess around sometimes, he was a fast learner and was ready to be put to work, and that quickly got him Carl’s approval.

Two years after Booker started, we purchased a distillery in Boston, KY to increase our production capabilities. Carl and Booker worked closely together to get it up and running, and eventually, Carl handed the reins over to Booker. This is where he was able to experiment and master the bourbon- making process, and later on, the location was renamed the Booker Noe Distillery.

Carl showed Booker the ropes at the distillery, but from there, his approach was sink or swim and it was just the push Booker needed. His apprenticeship under Carl helped him become the Master Distiller and legendary innovator we all remember him as today.

--- Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller