Heritage
The second release in the 2025 Booker’s Bourbon lineup, “By the Pond” is a bold and unfiltered expression true to the Booker’s legacy. Aged for 7 years, 9 months, and 19 days, this small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon is bottled at full barrel strength without chill filtration, preserving its robust flavor profile. Named in tribute to a quiet spot where Booker Noe would reflect and enjoy nature, this batch captures the earthy, toasted, and full-bodied character Booker’s fans have come to love.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with warm vanilla, brown sugar, toasted oak, and a signature roasted peanut note that’s more restrained than in previous batches. Hints of cinnamon, leather, and honeyed grains round out the aromatic profile. On the palate, it delivers a rush of classic Beam nuttiness blended with toffee, vanilla cream, charred wood, and clove. Layers of spice emerge mid-palate—black pepper, baking spices, and dry cinnamon—balanced by subtle dark fruit and a wisp of smoke. The finish is long and intense, leaving behind echoes of oak, cocoa, toasted nuts, and lingering warmth that coats the throat.
Food Pairings
This is a powerfully expressive bourbon that pairs best with equally bold flavors. Enjoy it alongside smoked brisket, chargrilled ribeye, or barbecued ribs. The toasted oak and caramel notes also complement aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or nutty Gruyère. For dessert, try it with pecan pie, dark chocolate bark, or spiced bread pudding—dishes that highlight its sweet, spicy, and nutty character.
Craftsmanship
Booker’s Bourbon is one of the original small-batch collections from Jim Beam, created by Master Distiller Booker Noe in 1988. Known for its uncut, unfiltered releases aged between six and eight years, Booker’s embodies the raw spirit of Kentucky bourbon. Each batch is hand-selected and named with a personal story or tribute. “By the Pond” continues this tradition, offering a glimpse into the life and passions of Booker Noe while delivering a complex, barrel-strength whiskey crafted with precision and heart.
