A Deep-Rooted Legacy
In the realm of Kentucky bourbon, camaraderie often transcends competition. While the industry is indeed fraught with rivalry, the bonds formed by those who have persevered through decades of shared struggles and triumphs are profound. Fred Noe, the seventh-generation master distiller at Jim Beam, epitomizes this spirit with his latest release: Booker’s Bourbon, an homage to the esteemed Wild Turkey master distiller, Jimmy Russell.
A Recognized Tribute
In an enlightening conversation with Fred, he revealed that this batch, titled “Jimmy’s Batch,” is a poignant tribute, marking the first Booker’s Bourbon dedicated to someone outside the Beam lineage. Booker’s, renowned as the flagship member of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, is an uncut and unfiltered bourbon that Fred’s father, Booker Noe, introduced in the late 1980s. Each year, this bourbon is released in three to four distinct batches, with the whiskey typically aged between six and seven years, showcasing a robust proof in the mid-120s range.
The Heartfelt Connection
Fred chose to honor Jimmy Russell due to their long-standing friendship and the deep bond shared between Russell and his father. “Jimmy and Dad were almost like brothers in this industry,” Fred shared. Their connection weathered both joyous and challenging times, culminating in a friendship characterized by mutual respect and love. The passing of Fred’s father highlighted their emotional ties, with both men sharing heartfelt tears. Fred reminisced about his travels, noting how Jimmy welcomed him into the bourbon community like a second father, nurturing his growth in the industry.
An Enduring Brotherhood
The camaraderie among these bourbon legends continues to surprise enthusiasts, as the public often perceives figures like Fred and Jimmy as competitors. “I always joke that the sales guys on the street—that’s the real competition,” he said. The friendships cultivated by icons like Parker Beam, Elmer T. Lee, and others stand testament to a bygone era of camaraderie amidst a tumultuous industry landscape. These elder statesmen have not only revived bourbon but have also paved the way for a harmonious future, with Fred’s son Freddie forging friendships with Eddie Russell’s son, Bruce.
Exceptional Quality
Jimmy’s Batch, while delightful, faces tough competition from its predecessor, the Master Distiller’s Batch, widely regarded as one of the finest releases in recent memory. This bourbon, aged for an impressive seven years, eight months, and nineteen days, is bottled at 125.8 proof, aligning it comfortably within the Booker’s range. For aficionados curious about the specifics, the barrel composition includes 12% from the fifth floor of warehouse Z, 20% from warehouse 1, 46% from warehouse 3, and 22% from warehouse Q. The selection of barrels from specific warehouse floors is vital for achieving the bourbon’s unique flavor profile, emphasizing the care taken in its development.
A Delicious Flavor Profile
Upon tasting, one can expect a symphony of rich flavors—enticing notes of vanilla, tobacco, leather, oak, and hints of cinnamon, all culminating in a warm finish. Each sip encapsulates not just the meticulous craftsmanship involved in crafting this bourbon, but also the sentimental value imbued by the dedication to Jimmy Russell.
Cherished Memories
As our conversation drew to a close, Fred recounted a memorable trip to a whiskey festival in Frankfurt, Germany, shortly after his father’s passing. He and Jimmy celebrated Jimmy’s birthday, indulging in Wild Turkey to commemorate the occasion. “Jimmy often tells the story, playfully claiming that I drank all the Wild Turkey at the bar and was late for breakfast the next day,” Fred chuckled. “But trust me, it wasn’t just me. That evening remains etched in my memory, as it was just him and me at the bar, exchanging stories far from home.” In many ways, the new Booker’s bourbon serves as another chapter in this ongoing narrative.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of bourbon, Jimmy’s Batch stands out not solely for its quality but for the heartfelt tribute it represents. Through the lens of friendship, this bourbon invites us to celebrate the rich history of the industry, honoring those whose spirits continue to inspire the art of distillation.
