Booker’s Bourbon launches 2016 Batch Collection

Beam Suntory-owned Booker’s Bourbon has released Booker’s Bluegrass, named in honour of founding distiller Booker Noe’s two favourite things: whiskey and bluegrass music.

Booker’s Blueglass features a custom label depicting a banjo, one of the most popular instruments in bluegrass music

The first of six releases from its 2016 Batch Collection – created in honour of Booker Noe, and the recipe his bourbon was founded on – Booker’s Blueglass features a custom label depicting a banjo, one of the most popular instruments in bluegrass music.

Each batch in the 2016 collection will feature a one-of-a-kind label and batch name that offers “an unprecedented look” into Booker’s life, both at the distillery and with friends and family.

The flavour profile of the expression, which was created using barrels from seven different rack houses, was selected by his son, Beam’s seventh generation master distiller, Fred Noe, to ensure that every batch matches Booker’s personal whiskey preference.

“My Dad, Booker, created Booker’s Bourbon to be his version of the perfect whiskey – uncut and full of rich flavour,” said Fred Noe.

“‘Booker’s Bluegrass’ is a reflection of just that, and is a true testament to Dad’s larger-than-life personality. Whenever there was bluegrass music, he could be found dancing front-and-center or trying his hand at playing with the band.”

Said to offer “notes of vanilla and toasted nuts with a smooth and well balanced finish”, the expression has been aged for 6 years, 11 months, and is bottled at 63.95% abv.

“We are proud to pay tribute to Booker and his love of experimentation with this special edition 2016 Batch Collection and think our fans will find the stories behind each batch are as unique and enjoyable as his namesake Bourbon,” said Halley Kehoe, director of small batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory.