Booker’s “Jimmy’s Batch” is the 4th and final release of 2024 and is a tribute to Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller of Wild Turkey Distillery.
The latest batch of Booker’s Bourbon is Fred Noe’s way of honoring an important figure in his personal and professional life. The 2024-04 batch is named in honor of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, a living legend of the bourbon world and one of Booker Noe’s dearest peers, competitors, and most importantly friends. Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller of Beam Distilling, has also stated the Jimmy was like a second father to him after his dad’s passing in 2004.
Fast Facts about Booker’s Bourbon “Jimmy’s Batch”:
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Proof: 125.8
- Age: 7 yrs., 8 months and 19 days
- Mashbill: not disclosed
- Nose: Aromas of vanilla, brown spices
- Palate: Sweet and smooth, and unmistakably Booker’s® Bourbon
- Finish: Pleasant and relaxing
- Price: $99.99
- Availability: Available now nationwide
Full Commentary on the Release from Fred Noe:
The fourth release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2024 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2024-04 “Jimmy’s Batch.” This batch is named in honor of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, living legend for bourbon lovers everywhere, and one of my dad’s dearest peers, competitors, and most importantly friends. Jimmy was like a second father to me after dad passed away, and I’ve learned a hell of a lot from him over the years.
There are many life lessons to thank him for, but here are a few that stand out to me.
Once at a bourbon festival, Jimmy came up to Dad and me and poured out three glasses of a whiskey he wanted us to taste. It was some real nice stuff, and when Dad asked what it was, Jimmy said it was something new he was working on, something special. I thought it was pretty cool to bring a new product to a competitor and ask what they think. It showed me the importance of trust and camaraderie, and just how much those old timers respected each other.
The other big thing Jimmy taught me was to treat everybody like I wanted to be treated. When we went to events at bars or liquor stores, he always stayed late to make sure everyone got their picture taken and their bottle signed. It’s easy to take for granted that we get to do what we do because of the people that stand in line for our whiskey, but Jimmy never did.
Just like Dad, there are few things Jimmy loves more than a damn good bottle of bourbon. So, cheers to him and the mentorship he’s given me through thick and thin all these years. I hope you get to share a glass with company as good and true as Jimmy.
The fourth and final batch of Booker’s Bourbon for 2024 is a tribute to a cherished friend of the Noe family, Jimmy Russel. A close friend to my dad and a second father figure to me since my dad’s passing in 2004. The breakdown of this batch is as follows:
- 12% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z
- 20% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1
- 46% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 3
- 22% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Q
This batch was made up of 3 production dates stored in 4 different warehouses. It stands at 125.8 proof and the age is 7 years, 9 months, and 19 days. It boasts a rich amber color shaped by the charred white oak barrels it aged in until the barrels were dumped. I first tasted this batch at my kitchen table, and its aroma filled the whole room. That first sip is sweet and smooth, and the way the vanilla notes mixes with the brown spice notes is just right- inviting you in for another taste. The finish is very pleasant and relaxing in taste.
I am really proud to put this batch together for Jimmy, and I know my dad would have loved seeing a batch of his namesake bourbon dedicated to his great friend.
— FRED NOE, BEAM FAMILY 7TH GENERATION MASTER DISTILLER
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