The James B. Beam Distilling Co. and eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe are launching a new Booker’s expression, titled The Reserves 2025. This marks the second installment in the annual limited series honoring sixth-generation master distiller Booker Noe.

The distillery describes the expression as having notes of caramel, vanilla, and agave on the nose, followed by a palate of caramel, oak, and baking spice. The finish is said to have a distinct taste of agave and black pepper.

The Reserves 2025 notably stands out as the first spirit by Beam to be finished in tequila barrels, which may mark a departure from The Booker’s brand's usual bourbon line ups. Last year’s The Reserves was bottled at cask-strength 125.9 proof with no finishing.

The barrels used to finish this year's reserve were first used to age Booker’s 30th Anniversary Bourbon before being sent to Jalisco, Mexico, where the Camarena family used them to mature El Tesoro’s 85th Anniversary Tequila. Next, the barrels were returned to Kentucky where Freddie Noe selected them to finish the new release.

Uncut and unfiltered, Booker’s The Reserves 2025 is bottled at 123.3 proof. It has been aged for eight years, 10 months, and 11 days, though the exact time spent in tequila casks isn't specified.

It currently has an MSRP of USD$129.99 and is limited in availability.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team