TASTING NOTES: Barry’s Batch does exactly that, with peanut at the onset, peanut butter fudge in the midpoint, and a persistent nutty undertone throughout. Splashes of caramel, honey, and graham cracker provide some sweetness and are balanced against cinnamon and allspice on the spicy side.

The first US release of Bookers 2025 Collection is Bookers Batch 2025-01 Barrys Batch. This batch is named in honor of Barry Berish, former Beam Chairman and CEO, and a dear friend to Dad and me. He was a legend at Beam, guiding us for over 40 years. Sadly, Barry passed early in 2024, and we miss him plenty. So, with this release, we celebrate who Barry was, and share just a few of the reasons everyone loved him so much.

In 1995, we hit a big milestone: our family had been making whiskey for over 200 years. It was high time for some festivities, particularly after the rough go of it bourbon had in the 80s. Barry took the opportunity to throw a party bigger than any wed ever had, bringing people from around the world for food, drinks, and a good time. All day, Barry brought Beam pride to everyone in the crowd. He stood front and center on stage from morning to night, his energy never flagging, highlighting what wed accomplished and drumming up excitement for all we were about to achieve. He hosted the main event of the afternoon, where we invited anyone, and everyone named Jim Beam to come on over and join the leaders on stage. He proclaimed their names louder than anyone else, proud to be honoring the name above the door. I can still see him, surrounded by dozens of those Jims, beaming. If it werent for Barry, we wouldnt be where we are today. Were more than grateful for everything he did and everything he was: a real good guy, and truly one of a kind. So, heres to you Barry, youll always be in our hearts.