Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s grandson, was eager to become 21—not so he could start drinking, but so he could start distilling. Growing up in the center of Kentucky and being a sixth-generation distiller with Beam blood in his veins made it inevitable. After years of service as a Master Distiller, he retired and began bottling his own bourbon as presents for friends and family.

Along the way, he came up with the term “small batch” when he introduced the first batch of his namesake Booker’s Bourbon to the general public in 1988. Today, Booker’s runs under the Jim Beam distillery and is managed by his son Fred. He asked his son, “Fred, make sure they don’t mess with my Booker’s,” after he retired.

Few things are more American than bourbon, which can be made anywhere in the United States but is primarily manufactured in Kentucky.

It must be bottled at 40% ABV or greater and contain at least 51% corn. Why don’t we try this American classic?

Browse our treasure trove of rare and difficult-to-find bourbons, discover your new favorite among the Top 10 bourbon, or take a look at our amazing assortment of booker’s country ham bourbon​.