Latest Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch Honors New Orleans Influence

The first release in the Booker’s Bourbon 2026 lineup, “Big Easy,” draws inspiration from one of Booker Noe’s favorite destinations, New Orleans.

The batch is a high-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey intended to reflect the flavors and experiences that brought Booker back to the city throughout his life. Booker’s ‘Big Easy’ Batch promises to be a bold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that pays homage to a place known for the food, the people, and the unforgettable flavors that stayed with Booker long after he visited.

Batch Details and Production Breakdown

Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch is a blend of barrels from five separate production dates and aged across five different warehouses. The bourbon carries an age statement of 7 years, 2 months, and 15 days, and is bottled at 129.1 proof. The suggested retail price is $99.99, with a recommended serving method of neat or with a splash of water.

The liquid breakdown includes 16% aged on the third floor of Warehouse H, 24% on the sixth floor of Warehouse G, 16% on the fifth floor of Warehouse O, 22% on the third floor of Warehouse J, and 22% on the fourth floor of Warehouse M.

Flavor Profile and Characteristics

According to the release, the batch delivers a profile consistent with Booker’s style, featuring aromas of vanilla and spice, a warm and robust palate, and a long, lingering finish. The blend of barrels from multiple warehouse locations contributes to the overall character of the whiskey.

Fred Noe Shares Booker’s Connection to New Orleans

Master Distiller Fred Noe shared background on Booker Noe’s connection to New Orleans, highlighting the personal significance behind the batch.

“For a guy who lived in Kentucky, Dad sure found himself in the Big Easy plenty. He made his first trips down there as a young man, friends like Billy Roby by his side, the two of them eating and drinking their way around town. Some time after that, he and Mom visited on their honeymoon. In later years, they’d always point out the bar where they shared a drink as newlyweds. The place seemed to love him back too, during one visit they even changed the name of Bourbon Street to Jim Beam Bourbon Street for a day.”

A Tribute to Memorable Flavors

Fred Noe also emphasized the role of New Orleans cuisine in shaping Booker Noe’s appreciation for flavor, citing specific memories tied to the city.

“But it was the flavors of New Orleans that really held a special place in Dad’s heart. He couldn’t get enough if its food – a fresh oyster here, a bowl of jambalaya there. But you wouldn’t find his favorite dish on the menus of the fancy restaurants, no, it was the Lucky Dog street cart that caught his eye and stole his heart.”

“We were watching Bourbon Street’s famous barrel races from the balcony of our French Quarter hotel when he spotted that cart rolling down below. He sent me to get us some – and boy, you’d have thought it was the best damn bite he’d ever had. His love for those dogs became legendary in the city, living on even after he passed – in fact, when Freddie and I last went, a five-star restaurant served us up some on a silver platter. Dad found flavors he loved everywhere he went. I hope you’ll be as taken with this bourbon as he was with those Big Easy Lucky Dogs.”

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