When it comes to bourbon, few names carry the weight of Booker’s. The James B. Beam Distilling Co. has just announced the release of their second batch of 2025, dubbed “By The Pond,” and it’s already stirring excitement among whiskey enthusiasts. This barrel-proof bourbon, a tribute to the legendary master distiller Booker Noe, promises a bold, unfiltered experience that captures the essence of Kentucky craftsmanship. With its rich flavors and a nod to Noe’s personal history, this release is set to be a standout for those who appreciate a pour with character.
Booker Noe, the sixth-generation distiller behind Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection, created Booker’s in 1988 as a special gift for close friends and family. Back then, high-proof bourbons weren’t the rage they are today, but Noe’s vision changed the game. He crafted a whiskey that came straight from the barrel, unfiltered except for removing leftover char, delivering an intense, authentic taste. By 1992, Booker’s joined the ranks of Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Baker’s in the Small Batch Collection, cementing its place as a cornerstone of American whiskey. The brand typically releases four batches a year, each one unique, and “By The Pond” is the latest chapter in this storied legacy.
This batch draws its name from a personal piece of Booker Noe’s life. His son, Fred Noe, the current master distiller, shared that the name honors the quiet moments Booker spent fishing at the pond behind his home. It was a place of reflection, where he’d sit, sip whiskey, and feed his fish, waiting for them to grow big enough to eat alongside a glass of his beloved bourbon. Fred Noe described his first taste of this batch as “very nice,” with a sweetness that invited a second sip. He noted the finish was smooth and satisfying, a fitting tribute to his father’s love for both the drink and the simple pleasures of life by the water.
What sets “By The Pond” apart is its meticulous crafting. Aged for exactly seven years, one month, and 20 days, this bourbon clocks in at 126.5 proof, landing right in the sweet spot for Booker’s releases. It’s bold but not overwhelming, offering a warmth that seasoned bourbon drinkers crave. The batch is drawn from barrels across seven different production dates, stored in eight distinct warehouses to create a complex flavor profile. For those who geek out over the details, the breakdown is impressive: 11% of the barrels come from the third floor of warehouse J, another 11% from the fifth floor of warehouse 3, 11% from the fifth floor of warehouse 1, 5% from the seventh floor of warehouse H, 11% from the fourth floor of warehouse K, 11% from the fifth floor of warehouse L, 11% from the fourth floor of warehouse 4, and a hefty 29% from the sixth floor of warehouse G at Waterfill. These varied locations matter because, while the bourbon uses the same Beam mashbill as other expressions, the aging environment shapes its distinct character, ensuring it lives up to the Booker’s standard.
The flavor of “By The Pond” is as robust as you’d expect from a cask-strength bourbon. Expect deep notes of caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla, with a subtle kick of spice to round it out. The high proof delivers a warm, lingering finish that’s perfect for sipping neat, though a splash of water can open up its sweeter, more nuanced layers. It’s the kind of whiskey that pairs beautifully with a hearty meal—think smoked brisket, aged cheddar, or even a rich dark chocolate dessert. For those who like to savor their bourbon slowly, letting it breathe in the glass reveals its full complexity, making each sip a journey.
Priced at a suggested retail of $100, “By The Pond” will hit shelves and online retailers like ReserveBar and Total Wine later this month. As with all Booker’s releases, it’s a limited batch, so bourbon hunters will want to act fast. Previous batches have been known to disappear quickly, and this one, with its evocative name and rich profile, is likely to follow suit. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Booker’s or new to the brand, this release offers a chance to connect with a piece of bourbon history, crafted in honor of a man who lived and breathed whiskey.
For those who value tradition, quality, and a good story behind their pour, Booker’s “By The Pond” is more than just a bottle—it’s a taste of Kentucky heritage. It’s the kind of bourbon that invites you to slow down, pour a glass, and maybe even imagine yourself by a quiet pond, savoring the moment just as Booker Noe once did.
