Booker’s The Reserves 2024
Only Bourbon Fans Group Review:
For our 100th episode, we knew we had to celebrate with something extraordinary. And what better way to mark the occasion than with a standout release from the legendary Jim Beam Distillery? Booker’s The Reserves felt like the perfect choice—bold, rich, and a testament to everything we love about bourbon. So, we gathered as a team on the podcast, poured ourselves a glass, and dove in. Given the special occasion (and the special pour), we go a little more in-depth on this one. Here’s our take.
The Basics
Age Statement: 8 years, 2 months, and 12 days
Proof: 125.9 (62.95% ABV)
Blend Composition: Eight different whiskies, ranging from 8 to 14 years, 4 months, and 16 days
Like most Booker’s releases, The Reserves comes with a card detailing the meticulous selection process behind this blend. Freddie Noe himself handpicked the barrels, ensuring only the highest-quality whiskey made the cut. This is Booker’s elevated—a deeper, richer, and older expression meant to honor the brand’s legacy while setting a course for its future.
The Nose
Right from the start, this bourbon announces itself with authority. Expect classic Booker’s heat, though slightly more refined than previous batches. The first inhale tingles the nostrils with a warm, rich spice, followed by waves of sweet caramel, brown sugar, and a surprising touch of cream cheese frosting. Some of us even picked up hints of jammy fruit, though that faded as the bourbon opened up. It’s unmistakably Booker’s but turned up a notch in complexity.
Just The Sip
If the nose hinted at refinement, the palate confirms it. This bourbon delivers a perfectly balanced symphony of deep caramel, vanilla, and charred oak. Peanut notes—a signature Booker’s trait—are present but more subdued than usual. Instead, a wave of butterscotch and baking spice rolls in, making for a rich, full-bodied experience.
The finish is where The Reserves really flexes its muscle. Long, lingering, and perfectly warming, it coats the palate with notes of salted caramel, oak spice, and a touch of cinnamon. Unlike some Booker’s releases that can feel brash or overpowering, this one manages to stay bold yet controlled—a special bourbon that knows exactly what it’s doing.
The Verdict
If you’re wondering whether The Reserves is just another Booker’s with a fancier name and a higher price tag, let us put your doubts to rest. This is an evolution of Booker’s, not just a variation. It takes everything we love about the brand and refines it into something smoother, richer, and more sophisticated. At $130, it's not just a must-buy—it’s a must-stock-up.
Between the team, we bought out an entire case—and we’d do it again.
Final Rating: 1 out of 1 (or, in tonight’s special scale, 100!)
Long live Booker’s.