Booker's Bourbon Batch 2025-02 "By the Pond Batch" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 126.5 Proof 750ml

Booker's Bourbon Batch 2025-02, known as "By the Pond Batch," is the second release of the 2025 Booker's Small Batch Bourbon Collection, named for one of the most cherished places in Booker Noe's world: the pond behind his house. Booker didn't grow up with a pond, but one day he decided he wanted one — to raise catfish and bluegill, so there was always fresh fish for supper. He put Fred and some friends to work digging it out, filling it up, and making it right, and soon enough that backyard pond became a fixture of family life. On a sunny afternoon you could count on finding Booker out there, fishing rod in hand, glass of bourbon nearby, feeding the fish and letting the day slow down. Fred selected this batch with that image in mind: his father at the pond, at peace, doing exactly what he loved. This batch was selected during a particularly wet Kentucky spring with record rainfall, and the color drew Fred's eye immediately — a rich, warm amber reminiscent of the great horses heading toward the Kentucky Derby. Bottled at 63.25% ABV and 126.5 proof, uncut and unfiltered, aged 7 years, 1 month, and 20 days, and drawn from eight different rickhouse locations. Presented in the classic Booker's dark wood box with glass panel and identified by its blue batch ticket.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Rich warm amber with a glow that caught Fred Noe's eye during barrel selection — reminiscent, in his words, of the great horses heading to the Kentucky Derby.

Nose: Toasted cinnamon, caramel, burnt sugar, and a blend of toasted and charred oak. Inviting and approachable with vanilla cream and subtle baking spice underneath.

Palate: Vanilla extract, caramelized cinnamon roll, and sweet oak lead a rich and well-layered palate. Roasted peanut, a touch of red berry, and building warmth from eight rickhouse locations blended together. Reviewers have noted this batch as one of the more approachable high-proof pours in the 2025 collection without sacrificing Booker's characteristic intensity.

Finish: Long and satisfying — dark berries, mixed nuts, clove, and a final surge of spicy charred oak that lingers well after the glass is set down.

FAQ

What is the story behind the By the Pond Batch name?
The name honors Booker Noe's beloved backyard pond, a place he built himself — putting Fred and friends to work digging, filling, and stocking it with catfish and bluegill. On any sunny afternoon you could find Booker out there feeding his fish and unwinding with a glass of bourbon. Fred selected this batch with that image in mind, and even noted that the color of the barrels reminded him of the beautiful horses competing in the Kentucky Derby that spring.

How does 2025-02 compare to other 2025 Booker's releases in store?
By the Pond Batch at 126.5 proof is the highest-proofed of the three current 2025 releases available here, sitting just above 2025-03 Jerry's Batch at 124.7 proof and 2025-04 Phantom Pipes Batch at 126.4 proof. All three are available at Liquor On Broadway with fast insured shipping nationwide.

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