Friday, March 09, 2018

BOOKER'S BOURBON LAUNCHES ITS FIRST BOTTLING OF THE YEAR

Booker’s Bourbon, has announced the launch of its first release of 2018, which pays tribute to Kathleen DiBenedetto who, together with founding distiller Booker Noe, helped to launch the Small Batch Bourbon Collection in the 1990s.

Booker’s Batch 2018-01 “Kathleen’s Batch” (63.7% ABV) which was matured for 6 years, 3 months and 14 days, was selected under the guidance of Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller, along with Kathleen DiBenedetto and members of the Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable.

Katherine DiBenedetto and Fred Noe

Kathleen DiBenedetto started her career with Jim Beam in 1991. She was the Brand Manager during the launch of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection, introducing the world to brands including Knob Creek Bourbon, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Baker’s Bourbon and Booker’s Bourbon.

Under Booker Noe’s watchful eye, Kathleen embarked on a unique apprenticeship in Clermont, Kentucky, learning nearly every job at the distillery so she could fully understand the ins and outs of crafting bourbon.

Commenting on the launch, Fred Noe, said: “I’m thrilled to honour Kathleen as someone who has poured her heart and soul into our brands for more than 25 years, especially our super-premium bourbons. She is probably too young to be called a pioneer, but that’s exactly what she was back in the ‘90s. Kathleen is like the daughter Dad never had, and I know he’d be proud to name a batch of his namesake Booker’s Bourbon in her honour.”

As in previous years, the Booker’s 2018 Batch Collection, will include four bourbon releases named in tribute to the people, places and pastimes that were important to Booker Noe. In addition to “Kathleen’s Batch,” this year’s collection will include Batch 2018-02 “Backyard BBQ;” Batch 2018-03, “Kentucky Chew;” and Batch 2018-04, “Kitchen Table,” in tribute to one of the most treasured family heirlooms of the Noe family.

Booker’s Batch 2018-01 “Kathleen’s Batch” will be available in limited quantities, across the US later this month, for a RRP of $74.99.

Posted by Steve Rush