If you’re new to the American bourbon landscape, you may have never heard of Booker’s Bourbon. Well, I want to tell you about something amazing. Named for Jim Beam Master Distiller Emeritus Booker Noe, Booker’s Bourbon is an uncut, unfiltered, cask-strength (between 120-130 proof depending on the batch) bourbon that’s released multiple times per year. Recently, this iconic brand announced a new batch: The Southern Thunder Batch.
Booker’s Bourbon The “Southern Thunder” Batch
Following the 2026 releases of “Big Easy Batch” and “Milkshake Batch,” Jim Beam made this new release with its classic mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The Southern Thunder Batch has nothing to do with Kentucky weather. Instead, this batch is named for Booker Noe himself. It references the renowned whiskey maker’s big, deep, booming voice. Fred Noe says that Booker often bellowed “Done good!” when the whiskey lived up to his expectations.
Booker’s “Southern Thunder” Batch blends five production dates aged in five different warehouses. Here’s a rundown: 23% were stored on the 5th floor of warehouse 3, a seven-story house; 21% were stored on the 3rd floor of warehouse G, a seven-story house; 22% were stored on the 6th floor of warehouse 6, a seven-story house; 20% were stored on the 4th floor of warehouse 4, a seven-story house; and 14% were stored on the 4th floor of warehouse M, a seven-story house.
The youngest barrels included in this batch were 7 years, 8 months, and 14 days old. This multi-layered, balanced, robust whiskey is bottled at a cask strength of 127.3 proof.
According to the brand, it starts with notes of toasted vanilla beans, caramelized sugar, candied nuts, oak, and cinnamon candy. The palate centers on oak, toasted vanilla beans, cracked black pepper, and butterscotch. The finish is long and warm, ending with a mix of peppery rye, vanilla, and charred oak. Enjoy it neat or with a splash of water to open the aromas and flavors.
Where can I buy it?
Booker’s “Southern Thunder” Batch is available at select whiskey retailers throughout the US for the suggested retail price of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle.
