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Booker’s Bourbon “By The Pond” Batch Released

Beam Suntory releases the second Booker's Bourbon batch of the year, a 126.5-proof whiskey named after Booker Noe's beloved catfish pond and selected by his son Fred.
  • Hannah Thompson is a specialist whiskey educator and writer, passionate about bringing stories and understanding to more people.
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Booker's Bourbon "By The Pond" Batch Released
Credit: Booker’s Bourbon

Booker’s Bourbon Releases “By The Pond” Batch at 126.5 Proof

Beam Suntory has unveiled the second Booker’s Bourbon release of the year, a 126.5-proof whiskey aged seven years and named after the late Booker Noe’s backyard catfish pond. The “By The Pond Batch” arrives at $99.99 and draws from eight different warehouses across seven production dates, marking another chapter in the brand’s tradition of uncut, unfiltered small-batch bourbon releases.

New Booker’s Bourbon Honors Family Legacy

The latest expression from the Kentucky distillery pays homage to a unique piece of Noe family history. Fred Noe, seventh-generation master distiller and Booker’s son, selected this batch during an unusually wet Kentucky spring. The whiskey’s composition includes 29% from warehouse G at Waterfill’s sixth floor, with the remaining barrels sourced from warehouses J, 3, 1, H, K, L, and 4.

“The first taste I put into my mouth was very nice and had a sweetness I enjoyed, so I took a second,” said Fred Noe. “The second taste was nice, and the finish complemented and completed the experience so well. I feel sure my dad would have enjoyed sipping the ‘By the Pond’ batch sitting by his pond feeding his fish, waiting for them to grow so he could enjoy eating them with some great Booker’s Bourbon.”

The official tasting notes describe vanilla and oak on the nose, with a sweet profile that develops through multiple sips. The color reportedly reminded Noe of Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds, linking the whiskey to another beloved state tradition.

Booker’s Bourbon Continues Premium Small-Batch Strategy

The release continues Booker’s position in the premium American whiskey market, where barrel-proof bourbons have gained significant traction among collectors and enthusiasts. Founded by Booker Noe in 1988, the brand pioneered the small-batch bourbon category and maintains its commitment to releasing uncut, unfiltered whiskey straight from the barrel.

The backyard pond that inspired this batch served as more than a fish farm. According to the distillery’s account, Booker Noe transformed the space into a contemplative retreat after overcoming initial challenges with leaking, water quality, and falling maple leaves. The pond eventually featured a protective roof and became a gathering place where Booker spent hours with his son Fred.

At seven years, one month, and 20 days old, this batch sits within Booker’s typical age range of six to eight years. The multi-warehouse blend demonstrates the brand’s approach to achieving complexity through careful barrel selection across different aging environments.

The “By The Pond Batch” is available nationwide at the suggested retail price of $99.99.

Hannah Thompson

Hannah Thompson is a whiskey educator who helps consumers understand everything they need to know to make an informed decision about whiskey investment. She has been working in the secondary whiskey market since 2019 and joined The Whiskey Wash team when Mark Littler took over as Editor in Chief. Working with Mark Littler Hannah has amassed a broad range of whiskey knowledge and specializes in helping consumers make education driven cask investments. Hannah has authored two published works of fiction and her background in research and creative writing lets her create interesting and informative articles to give people a solid understanding of the world of whiskey.

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