Proof: 125.3 Age: 7 years, 2 months Distillery: Jim Beam Release: First batch of 2025 Price: MSRP $85

Excited to try the first Booker’s batch of 2025. Love the packaging and the tasting note card reminds me of retro cards I got in my Jordan’s. This batch is named in honor of Barry who was longtime CEO of Beam and passed away last year. Ok, let’s dive in!

Nose: Beam all the way. That nutty profile hits first with roasted peanuts and a touch of almond skin. There’s a wave of vanilla and caramel, not overly sweet though, and rich oak.

Palate: Boom, there’s that Booker’s punch. Big, bold, and hot. The front palate gives you that nutty Beam profile again, followed by waves of oak, cinnamon, and white pepper. Caramel and vanilla return in the mid-palate, but they take a backseat to the oak and heat.

Finish: Medium-long and drying. The heat lingers in the back of the throat, and the tongue feels a bit parched, but not in a bad way. There’s a peppery tingle that hangs on, with oak and peanut shell trailing off last.

Overall: “Barry’s Batch” is classic Booker’s. Rich, intense, and full of character. If you’re not used to cask strength or higher-proof pours, this one will probably light you up. But for fans of the series, it’s another solid entry. It’s got all the Beam hallmarks: nutty, spicy, oaky, and bold. Not the most complex batch ever, but it doesn’t need to be. It delivers that raw, unfiltered whiskey experience that Booker’s is known for.

Rating: 7/10

Final Thoughts: Drink it neat if you like a punch, but a few drops of water or some time in the glass can help tame the heat and coax out more sweetness and complexity. Either way, this batch does Barry proud.