{"product_id":"bookers-bourbon-batch-2026-02-milkshake-batch-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"Booker's Bourbon Batch 2026-02 \"Milkshake Batch\" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEvery Booker's release carries a genuine name and story behind it, and \"Milkshake Batch\" might be one of the most charming in the line's 35-year history. The legend is real: Booker Noe, the late sixth-generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam and the man widely credited with inventing the small-batch bourbon category itself, had a genuine habit of mixing bourbon into homemade chocolate malted milkshakes. It started as a father-son tradition — Fred Noe remembers fishing trips with his dad that always ended with a chocolate malted milkshake, until Booker began spiking his own with bourbon, then started making the bourbon-and-milkshake combination from scratch entirely. That same ritual continues today between Fred and his son Freddie, and Batch 2026-02 is named directly in that spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe bourbon itself is a blend of barrels from four separate production dates, aged across four different seven-story rickhouses: 32% from the fifth floor of Warehouse G at Waterfall, 26% from the fifth floor of Warehouse 3, 23% from the third floor of Warehouse L, and 19% from the third floor of Warehouse M. The final blend aged 7 years, 6 months, and 12 days, bottled entirely uncut and unfiltered at full barrel strength — 124.4 proof — following the same signature Jim Beam mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley used across the entire Booker's line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eReception has been genuinely solid, if measured. Bourbon \u0026amp; Smoke Reviews' tasting found \"creamy vanilla and caramel corn up front, then cocoa powder and a distinct peanut butter richness,\" with \"warm banana bread\" emerging after a couple minutes, noting that \"with a few drops of water, the whole thing opens up into something close to a chocolate malt — which, given the name, feels intentional.\" Breaking Bourbon's review called it \"another great high proof bourbon\" that \"doesn't stand out from recent Booker's releases,\" finding the palate carrying \"classic bourbon flavors\" that \"peak\" with \"sweeter flavors, including cinnamon apple, before riding out on a more traditional conclusion.\" Charles Steele's review for The Whiskey Wash found it \"sweet to start before adding a good bite across the tongue,\" with \"charcoal with oak, clove, small pops of pepper, and dark cigar wrapper,\" a \"current of chewy toffee\" poking \"through periodically,\" calling it \"another classic Booker's bourbon\" that's \"dark and almost broody,\" though acknowledging the \"higher alcohol content could be a bit confrontational for many drinkers.\" Master Distiller Fred Noe himself described it directly: \"the aroma is rich and thick with vanilla and oak that is inviting you to take a taste. I enjoyed the full, flavorful finish that lingers and makes you want another sip.\" This is genuinely bold, uncut bourbon with a real family story — a solid, if not showstopping, entry in one of bourbon's most storied ongoing series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBooker's Bourbon Batch 2026-02 \"Milkshake Batch\" is produced by James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, the second release in the brand's 2026 collection. The bourbon is a blend of barrels from four separate production dates, matured in charred new American oak across four seven-story rickhouses: Warehouse G at Waterfall (32%, fifth floor), Warehouse 3 (26%, fifth floor), Warehouse L (23%, third floor), and Warehouse M (19%, third floor). The mash bill is the signature Jim Beam recipe: 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe name honors a real Noe family tradition started by Master Distiller Booker Noe, who mixed bourbon into homemade chocolate malted milkshakes, a ritual his son Fred and grandson Freddie continue today. The bourbon aged 7 years, 6 months, and 12 days, bottled entirely uncut and unfiltered at barrel proof — 62.2% ABV \/ 124.4 proof, 750ml.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBourbon \u0026amp; Smoke Reviews (extended independent review):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Creamy vanilla and caramel corn up front, then cocoa powder and a distinct peanut butter richness. Give it two minutes and warm banana bread comes through. With a few drops of water, the whole thing opens up into something close to a chocolate malt — which, given the name, feels intentional. Thick and chewy at barrel proof.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreaking Bourbon (extended independent review):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Its aroma is pleasing but straightforward for what it is. The sip contains classic bourbon flavors that peak in the palate thanks to a combination of sweeter flavors, including cinnamon apple, before riding out on a more traditional conclusion. 'Milkshake Batch' continues the tradition of offering consumers a consistently great high proof bourbon for the price.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Steele, The Whiskey Wash (extended independent review):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Sweet to start before adding a good bite across the tongue. Charcoal with oak, clove, small pops of pepper, and dark cigar wrapper. A current of chewy toffee pokes through periodically softening the earthier profile. The finish relents some of the strong earth notes to vanillas and sweet sugars before dropping back into the earth tones of bitter chocolate and cigar smoke. This is another classic Booker's bourbon. Dark and almost broody with the earth and oak notes throughout.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtfully Bourbon (extended independent review):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and fresh oak lead the nose, with a slightly grassy note underneath.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFred Noe, Master Distiller, Booker's Bourbon:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The aroma is rich and thick with vanilla and oak that is inviting you to take a taste. I enjoyed the full, flavorful finish that lingers and makes you want another sip.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeam Distilling (official tasting notes):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Color: Deep amber. Taste: Big and bold, and unmistakably Booker's Bourbon. Aroma: Rich and thick with vanilla and oak.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCreamy vanilla and caramel corn lead, joined by cocoa powder and peanut butter richness, developing warm banana bread, baking spice, and fresh oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThick and chewy at barrel proof, sweet to start with a good bite, delivering charcoal, oak, clove, and dark cigar wrapper, alongside chewy toffee and cinnamon apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong and full-flavored, closing with vanilla, sweet sugar, bitter chocolate, and cigar smoke — genuinely bold and broody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Uncut, Unfiltered, Barrel Proof\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV \/ Proof\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e62.2% ABV \/ 124.4 Proof\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 Years, 6 Months, 12 Days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e77% Corn \/ 13% Rye \/ 10% Malted Barley\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarehouse G (32%), Warehouse 3 (26%), Warehouse L (23%), Warehouse M (19%)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJames B. Beam Distilling Co. — Clermont, Kentucky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaster Distiller\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFred Noe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBooker's Bourbon 2026 Collection — Batch 2026-02\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBooker Noe's own bourbon-spiked chocolate malted milkshakes, a family tradition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \/ Identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA genuinely solid, bold, high-proof Booker's release — real family story behind a classic style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromas \u0026amp; Flavors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChocolate malt, vanilla, creamy caramel, roasted peanut, cinnamon apple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChocolate malted milkshake, naturally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeanut-based desserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled or smoked meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark chocolate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEnjoy neat, or with a few drops of water to open genuine chocolate-malt character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45269221769282,"sku":null,"price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0363\/8621\/files\/67DE68D4-A2AE-4234-AE02-07BD0AFDDAD1_1_201_a.jpg?v=1790315029","url":"https:\/\/www.blackwellswines.com\/products\/bookers-bourbon-batch-2026-02-milkshake-batch-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","provider":"Blackwell's Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}