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Booker’s Bourbon Launches 2025’s First Release: Barry’s Batch

Booker’s Bourbon has unveiled its first release for 2025, honoring a significant figure in the history of Jim Beam. This new bourbon, named Barry’s Batch, pays tribute to Barry Berish, a cherished member of the Jim Beam family who served as chairman and CEO for four decades.

Barry Berish, who passed away in 2024, was not only a pivotal leader at Jim Beam, but he also formed a close relationship with Fred Noe, the 7th-generation Master Distiller at the distillery. “We’re incredibly thankful for everything Barry achieved during his time with us,” Fred Noe remarked in a press release. “He was a genuine person and truly unique—here’s to Barry, who will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Jim Beam releases four batches of Booker’s each year, showcasing barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Each batch is uniquely coded to indicate the release year and batch number. As the first release of the year, Barry’s Batch is marked as 2025-01.

In some instances, Jim Beam has issued limited-edition special releases, such as Booker’s Rye in 2016 and Booker’s The Reserves in 2024. There are indications that future versions of Booker’s Rye might be produced, and The Reserves is confirmed to continue as an annual release.

Bottled at a proof of 125.7 and aged for seven years, two months, and four days, Barry’s Batch reflects the traditional qualities of Booker’s Bourbon. It is slightly lower in proof and a bit younger than the last batch of 2024, which honored the esteemed Wild Turkey Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell.

Tim Heuisler, the global ambassador for Suntory Global Spirits, commented on the unique aspects of Booker’s, stating, “Each batch differs slightly from the last, yet it retains the undeniably Booker’s character. The bourbon matures in barrels initially filled at 125 proof, so the final bottling at 125.7 proof indicates a slight increase in alcohol content during aging.”

Fast Facts: Booker’s Bourbon 2025-01 — Barry’s Batch

ABV: 62.85%

Maturation: Seven years, two months, and four days

Blending: Barry’s Batch comprises barrels from six different Beam warehouses (3, 1, H, X, and G). All barrels were aged on the 4th, 5th, or 7th floors. The youngest bourbon featured in this batch is over seven years old, aligning with the standards for recent Booker’s releases.

Availability: The standard Booker’s Bourbon is released quarterly, with each batch carrying its own name and flavor profile. It enjoys nationwide distribution and is typically found on store shelves. While exact bottle counts are not disclosed, it’s expected that regular Booker’s releases are produced in larger volumes than specialty editions like Booker’s The Reserves, which had around 20,000 bottles.

MSRP: $100

Barry’s Batch comprises barrels from four different production dates, aged in five Beam warehouses:

• 41% from the 5th floor of seven-story warehouse 3
• 34% from the 5th floor of seven-story warehouse 1
• 14% from the 7th floor of nine-story warehouse H
• 32% from the 5th floor of seven-story warehouse X
• 9% from the 4th floor of seven-story warehouse G

The meticulous blending process for Booker’s releases is overseen by Fred and Freddie Noe. “In crafting a batch of Booker’s, our blending team develops three to four blends of barrels for comparison until they find the right combination that will represent the next Booker’s release,” Heuisler explained.

According to representatives, Barry’s Batch is characterized by an inviting nose rich in vanilla and spice. Heuisler emphasizes the bold flavor profile, noting, “This is a robust bourbon that Booker’s enthusiasts will appreciate,” and it concludes with a pleasantly smooth, oak-forward sweetness.

Booker’s Barry’s Batch is available nationwide, retailing for an MSRP of $100.

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