Booker's Bourbon Batch 2020-03 "Pigskin Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 127.3 Proof 750ml

Booker's Bourbon Batch 2020-03, known as "Pigskin Batch," is the third and final release of the 2020 Booker's Small Batch Bourbon Collection, and a tribute to one of the more unexpected dimensions of Booker Noe's larger-than-life character: his love of football. Standing 6'4" and around 300 pounds, Booker was quick for his size — quick enough to play as both a tackle and kicker in high school, and later to practice with the University of Kentucky football team. Football was woven into the fabric of Noe family life. Booker built goal posts in the backyard for his grandson Freddie, and the whole family would gather to watch games on TV during the holiday season. Fred Noe named this batch for that side of his father — the big, physical, enthusiastic man who brought the same force of personality to a football field that he brought to a rickhouse. In December 2020 Booker would have turned 91, and this batch honors his memory. Drawn from two production dates aged across five rickhouse locations — with 32% anchored by the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X and 27% from warehouse M — this batch delivers one of the more fruit-forward and richly dark profiles in the 2020 collection. Bottled at 63.65% ABV and 127.3 proof, uncut and unfiltered, aged 6 years, 7 months, and 7 days. Presented in the classic Booker's dark wood box with glass panel. Now an established back vintage from the 2020 named series.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep tawny amber with red and copper tones — richly dark, glossy, and evocative of the cordovan leather the batch is often compared to.

Nose: Blueberries, dark currants, and soft prunes blend with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rye. Vanilla, brown sugar caramel, and roasted peanut dark toffee provide the sweet backbone. Dry toasted oak and smoky barrel char round out an inviting, full aromatic profile that belies the 127.3 proof.

Palate: Bold and rich with an oily, chewy texture — caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon, dark cherry, and roasted peanuts build alongside charred oak. More fruit-forward than many Booker's batches, with a seductive dark complexity that reviewers have called "dark and seductive." Full-bodied with a warming Kentucky hug.

Finish: Long and warming — oak resin, cherry, clover honey, and warm ginger persist through a fading sweetness. The oily body carries the close well past the sip.

FAQ

What is the story behind the Pigskin Batch name?
The name honors Booker Noe's genuine love of football. At 6'4" and around 300 pounds, Booker was athletic enough to play tackle and kicker in high school and to practice with the University of Kentucky football team. As a father and grandfather, he kept football central to family life — building goal posts in the backyard for Freddie Noe to kick through and gathering the family around the TV for games during the holiday season. Released in November 2020, when Booker would have turned 91 in December, this batch is Fred Noe's tribute to that side of his father.

How does 2020-03 compare to other Booker's back vintages in store?
Pigskin Batch is one of the more fruit-forward and richly dark releases in the Booker's back vintage range, with reviewers noting its blueberry and dark currant character sets it apart from the more classically savory Booker's profile. We carry back vintages from 2020 through 2025 across the full named batch series — check our store for current availability.

Where can I buy Booker's Pigskin Batch online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.