The first U.S. release of the Booker’s 2025 Collection 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.
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright Golden Amber
Taste: Big and Bold
Aroma: Vanilla, Spices
Finish: Long and Delightful
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 bourbon had in the ’80s. Barry took the opportunity to throw a party bigger than any we’d 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 we’d 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 weren’t for Barry, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’re more than grateful for everything he did and everything he was: a real good guy and truly one of a kind. So, here’s to you, Barry—you’ll always be in our hearts.
Master Distiller Notes
The color of “Barry’s Batch” is a bright golden amber, inviting you to lean in and take in the wonderful aroma. The nose is warm and welcoming, with hints of vanilla and a touch of sweetness from the more than seven years it spent aging in new white oak barrels.
When I took a sip of this batch, the cozy flavor that filled my mouth reminded me of a chilly January morning, perfect for enjoying a good bourbon. The balanced finish was smooth and left me wanting more—it’s just that good! I know Dad would have loved to celebrate his longtime friend and colleague with this bourbon named after him. I really hope you enjoy Barry’s Batch as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Batch Details
This batch is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in five different warehouses.
- Age: 7 years, 2 months, 4 days
- Proof: 125.7
Barrel Storage Breakdown:
- 41% came from the 5th floor of 7-story Warehouse 3
- 14% came from the 5th floor of 7-story Warehouse 1
- 4% came from the 7th floor of 9-story Warehouse H
- 32% came from the 5th floor of 7-story Warehouse X
- 9% came from the 4th floor of 7-story Warehouse G
