Booker’s 2022-01E “Ronnie’s Batch” Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Booker’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Batch: 2022-01E aka “Ronnie’s Batch”
Proof: 124.3
ABV: 62.15%
Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley
Age: 6yrs 11mo
Size: 750ml
MSRP: $90

Additional Details

Distiller Notes:

The batch is made up of four production dates that were aged in five different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch” is as follows:

• 4% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5
• 7% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D
• 15% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 1
• 26% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q
• 48% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

This batch has a nice color and a rich vanilla aroma with hints of brown spice that you can enjoy even before your first sip. The whiskey has a sweet taste that comes from the time spent aging in our unique Kentucky climate. It was a brisk, cold day when I selected this batch, but the warm and pleasant finish make it an ideal pour as we leave behind these cooler months. I know my father would be so proud to name this batch after Ronnie, as he was sure to make Booker’s just like Dad wanted.

Official Website

Label Inspiration:

The first release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2022 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2022-01 ‘Ronnie’s Batch.’ This batch is named in honor of Ronnie Land, a longtime employee at the Jim Beam Clermont and Boston, K.Y. plants, when my dad, Booker Noe, was master distiller. During his 40 year career at Jim Beam, he worked his way up to the Warehouse Manager position. Ronnie was always known to shoot straight with Dad, and Dad put a lot of trust in him because of that.

Ronnie was responsible for keeping inventory of aging barrels, a key part of the bourbon-making process. Back then, we had to track barrel quantities and locations by hand – no computers for that! – and Ronnie knew it all by heart. He also knew exactly where Dad preferred to store his namesake Booker’s barrels and, in time, he was trusted to prepare the samples for Dad to evaluate for the next batch. Once, Ronnie sent me home with a box of small Booker’s samples for Dad to taste. When Dad saw the samples, he said they weren’t big enough to get a proper sense of the whiskey, so what did Ronnie do? He went back into the warehouses and prepared samples that were notably bigger! Dad was more than pleased and that became the standard sample size Ronnie gave us from then on – and still the size that Freddie and I use today!

Dad always had final sign off when it came to his Booker’s Bourbon, but he knew he was working with barrels that met his standards when they were under Ronnie’s watchful eye.

Dad valued Ronnie’s dedication, work ethic and honesty and, because of this, he would be proud to honor Ronnie with a batch of his own. I hope you enjoy a glass alongside close family and friends.

Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller

Introduction

Well, this is unexpected…

I find myself on the edge, almost tempted to march right back into the store and snag another bottle. Why? Because this is some seriously good bourbon! I’m kicking myself for letting it fly under my radar for so long.

Enter Booker’s 2022-01E (export), “Ronnie’s Batch.”

Historically, I’ve been a tad wary of the signature Jim Beam nuttiness profile. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s just not my usual go-to when it comes to bourbon flavors. This very reason kept me at arm’s length from Booker’s for the longest time.

It’s not that Booker’s is a rare find. Quite the opposite, in fact. It’s been readily available in my neck of the woods. But its price tag? Not the friendliest. Another tick in the ‘maybe later’ column.

However, after taking a leap of faith with Baker’s 7 Year Small Batch and finding myself pleasantly surprised, my interest in other Jim Beam expressions was reignited. And naturally, Booker’s was next in line.

Appearance

Export Version Notes

Before diving into the tasting experience, there are, first and foremost, some peculiarities about this bottle that warrant discussion. To begin with, let’s talk about its name: “2022-01E.” The “E” at the end, as far as my understanding goes, signifies that this is an export version. Makes sense, right? In other words, E stands for export.

However, here’s where things take a murky turn. The name “Ronnie’s Batch,” which is what this release is commonly known as, is conspicuously absent from the bottle, the box, and any accompanying literature. Why the glaring omission? It’s a head-scratcher, to say the least.

Moreover, the mystery doesn’t end there. The label on the bottle also lacks the signature illustration that usually graces each annual Booker’s release. Why strip away this unique design element? Another puzzling question.

When it comes to the age statement, the U.S. domestic version of this bottle is labeled as 6 years, 11 months, and 22 days. On the other hand, my export version only states 6 years and 11 months. Those extra 22 days? Nowhere to be found, surprisingly.

Lastly, unlike the U.S. domestic versions that come with a “batch story” card inside the box, it appears the export versions are left wanting. This is particularly disappointing for those who relish the collectability factor of Booker’s releases.

At the end of the day, these may seem like trivial differences. Nevertheless, I’m willing to overlook these cosmetic changes. What truly matters, in the final analysis, is whether the juice inside this bottle matches its U.S. counterpart.

As of now, there’s no official word on this matter. If anyone has the inside scoop, please do reach out. But if I were a betting man, given that this is an annual release, I’d wager that the folks at Jim Beam wouldn’t go to the trouble of crafting two entirely different versions.

Whiskey Color

Upon pouring, the bourbon reveals a deep, dark reddish-brown hue, reminiscent of a setting sun or perhaps a treasured antique. Its rich color promises depth and complexity. When given a gentle swirl, the liquid clings to the glass, coating it with a silky sheen.

Nose

From the moment I uncorked the bottle, an unexpected surprise greeted me. Despite being a robust 120+ proof bourbon, there was a conspicuous absence of the anticipated ethanol burn. This was a welcome deviation, allowing me to dive straight into the aromatic exploration without any distractions.

My next quest was to identify the hallmark Jim Beam “nutty” profile. To my astonishment, that signature nuttiness was elusive. I found myself pondering, “Is this genuinely a Jim Beam creation?” This revelation wasn’t unwelcome, though. As someone who doesn’t typically gravitate towards nut-forward profiles, this was a delightful twist.

So, with the nuttiness taking a backseat, what aromas took center stage? The nose was dominated by a classic sweetness, reminiscent of rich caramel and luscious vanilla. But there was another layer, a fruity undertone that was both intriguing and inviting. It evoked images of ripe peaches or perhaps juicy plums, all wrapped up in the gentle embrace of a sweet tea. This bourbon promises a sensory journey, and I was eager to see where the palate would lead.

Palate

The first sip was a delightful continuation of the nose’s promises. Those fruit notes and sweet tea nuances made an immediate appearance, dancing on the palate with a refreshing vibrancy. Alongside the peaches and plums, a new character emerged: a crisp apple note, adding another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.

What’s truly remarkable about “Ronnie’s Batch” is its deceptive drinkability. For a bourbon boasting a 124.3 proof, it’s astonishingly approachable. There’s no harshness, no overpowering bite. Instead, it’s smooth and, dare I say, quite crushable. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship behind this batch.

As the tasting journey progressed, a gentle warmth began to build, culminating in a bold yet refined rye spice finish. It’s assertive, yes, but never aggressive. It’s like a confident statement made with a wink, ensuring the experience is memorable but never overwhelming.

Finish

The finale of “Ronnie’s Batch” is a medium, lingering embrace, akin to a warm hug that stays with you, comforting and familiar. As the bourbon settles, a delightful mocha chocolate note emerges, complemented beautifully by the sweetness of toffee. It’s a dessert-like experience, rich and indulgent.

But just as you think you’ve unraveled all its secrets, the bourbon throws in a spicy twist. Notes of cinnamon, baking spices, and clove rise to the forefront, adding depth and warmth to the finish. And, as a nod to its aging process, there’s a subtle hint of oak, grounding the experience and adding a layer of sophistication.

In essence, the finish of Booker’s 2022-01E “Ronnie’s Batch” is a masterful blend of sweet and spicy, ensuring each sip leaves you eagerly anticipating the next.

Conclusion

Booker’s 2022-01E “Ronnie’s Batch” is the kind of bourbon I’d envision sipping on a sun-soaked summer day. I want to avoid saying this is crushable, but with its intricate and delightful flavor profile, I’ve already found myself going back for subsequent pours.

For someone like me, venturing into the world of Booker’s for the first time, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. While I’ve often been hesitant due to the signature Jim Beam nutty profile – which isn’t quite my cup of tea (or glass of bourbon) – this batch was a revelation.

Veteran Booker’s aficionados might raise an eyebrow, noting that “Ronnie’s Batch” diverges slightly from the typical Booker’s profile. It lacks that intense boldness and robustness, and the iconic Beam nuttiness is more subdued. But for me, that’s precisely its charm.

In essence, this batch feels like a welcoming gateway into the Booker’s universe. It’s an invitation to explore further, and based on this experience, it’s an invitation I’m more than happy to accept.

Additional Images

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