Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2018-1 “Kathleen’s Batch”

Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch Bourbon 2018-1“: A Masterpiece in Every Sip

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we understand that the most profound bourbons are those woven with personal history and family legacy. While many spirits speak of process and provenance, the most resonant tell human stories. Booker’s “Kathleen’s Batch” 2018-01 is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that embodies this principle. As the inaugural release of 2018, this small batch bourbon is more than a seasonal offering—it is a rare bourbon that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the quiet strength and enduring influence of a family matriarch. For the collector seeking a pour with profound emotional depth, this batch represents a beautiful chapter in the Booker’s saga.

This definitive guide will explore the intimate story, the elegantly powerful tasting profile, and the collector’s significance of Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch—a release that answers the question “Is Booker’s a good bourbon?” with grace, complexity, and historical importance.

The Booker’s Standard

To fully appreciate the soul of Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch, one must first understand the bedrock principles that define the entire Booker’s line. Bookers whiskey was the life’s work of the legendary Booker Noe, who championed the radical idea that straight bourbon whiskey should be enjoyed exactly as it was in the barrel. This core philosophy is why every expression in the Booker’s bourbons lineup is bottled uncut and unfiltered.

This commitment means you receive the bourbon at its full, cask-strength proof. No water is added to dilute its character, and no chill-filtration strips away the rich, mouth-coating texture that carries the spirit’s deepest stories. You are experiencing an American Kentucky whiskey in its most potent and authentic form. This unwavering standard is what makes Bookers whiskey a benchmark for quality and separates it from the vast majority of other bourbon whiskey brands.

The Story Behind Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch

The name Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch carries immense emotional weight within the Beam family legacy. It honors Kathleen “Kathy” Noe, the beloved mother of Master Distiller Fred Noe and daughter-in-law of Booker Noe. Kathy was the family’s steadfast matriarch, providing unwavering support and maintaining the heart of the home while Booker built his legendary career and Fred learned the family trade.

Naming the first batch of 2018 after Kathleen was a poignant and personal tribute from Fred Noe. It serves as a powerful acknowledgment that the legacy of Booker’s small batch bourbon is built not only on distilling skill but on the foundation of family strength and silent sacrifice. When you pour a glass of this rare bourbon, you’re tasting a son’s homage to his mother—a recognition of the love and stability that makes artistic and commercial excellence possible.

Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch: A Deep Dive into Specifications

As a small batch bourbon that carries such a meaningful name, the specifications for Kathleen’s Batch suggest a profile built on balance and maturity.

• Batch: 2018-01 “Kathleen’s Batch”

• Proof: 125.8 Proof (62.9% ABV)

• Age: 6 years, 4 months, and 21 days

This age statement delivers a profile that is both vibrant and structured. The six-plus years in new charred oak allow for a mature conversation between the distillate and the wood, creating a spirit that is powerful yet refined. The proof is robust, providing the necessary architecture to support complex flavors, yet it’s delivered with a integration that feels sophisticated rather than aggressive. It is a specification sheet that promises a bourbon of both strength and grace—a fitting parallel to its namesake.

Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch Review: Tasting a Tribute

Booker’s Bourbon Kathleen’s Batch has received widespread acclaim from both critics and whiskey lovers. It’s lauded for its remarkable depth and balance, making it a standout release in the Booker’s lineup. Many reviewers describe it as a quintessential expression of straight bourbon whiskey, perfect for those who enjoy a high-proof bourbon that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

If you’re looking for a bourbon that embodies the spirit of Kentucky whiskey with its rich, full-bodied profile, Kathleen’s Batch is an excellent choice. The combination of sweetness, spice, and oak creates a beautifully rounded flavor that appeals to connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

The Nose: A Warm and Complex Welcome
The aroma is an immediate and inviting classic Booker’s experience, characterized by its depth and balance. It opens with a robust scent of vanilla bean, rich caramel, and seasoned oak. As it breathes, layers of roasted peanuts, dark honey, and a distinctive blend of baking spices—cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg—emerge. There’s an underlying sweetness of brown sugar that adds warmth and comfort to the bouquet. The high proof is present on the nose but is remarkably well-integrated, offering a complex and promising prelude without a harsh ethanol edge.

The Palate: A Powerful Yet Graceful Profile
The mouthfeel is characteristically thick and coating, a true signature of Booker’s uncut and unfiltered bourbon. This texture allows the flavors to unfold gradually and completely coat the palate. The flavor profile is a masterful balance of power and nuance. The initial sip delivers waves of creamy vanilla, buttery toffee, and the signature Beam peanut brittle character.

This sweet and nutty core is seamlessly met with a robust structure of oak tannins and dark chocolate. A building, peppery spice provides a satisfying warmth that complements, rather than overpowers, the experience. It’s a bourbon whiskey that feels both substantial and elegant, with a complexity that reveals itself slowly rather than all at once. The balance is impeccable, suggesting a careful selection of barrels to achieve a harmonious whole.

The Finish: A Long and Satisfying Conclusion
The finish is the hallmark of a well-crafted Booker’s batch, and Kathleen’s Batch delivers with assurance. It is long, warm, and profoundly satisfying. The high proof ensures the flavors of oak, dark caramel, and baking spices linger on the palate for a remarkably long time. It concludes with a clean, dry, and slightly sweet fade, leaving behind a memory of oak tannin and a touch of honeyed nuts. This is a finish that encourages reflection, much like the legacy it honors.

Is Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch a Good Bourbon? The Verdict

For anyone asking, “Is Bookers a good bourbon?” Kathleen’s Batch provides a definitive and resounding affirmation. This is not just a good bourbon; it is an exemplary one that represents the Booker’s brand at its most balanced and reflective. It successfully delivers the bold, robust character that defines the lineup, while exhibiting a level of integration and drinkability that makes it particularly approachable.

Its deeply personal and heartfelt backstory, combined with a flawlessly executed, classic flavor profile, makes it an essential bottle for any serious fan of the brand. Many enthusiasts rightly consider it a strong contender for the best barrell bourbon batch of the 2018 lineup, celebrated for its perfect balance and emotional resonance.

Booker’s Place in the World of Whiskey

For those new to the category, a common question is bourbon vs. whiskey. The distinction is key: all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon must be made in the USA from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Booker’s Bourbon distinguishes itself by championing a barrel-strength, non-chill filtered philosophy. While a single barrel bourbon offers a unique snapshot from one cask, Booker’s as a small batch bourbon showcases the art of blending, where a limited number of select barrels are harmonized to create a consistent, yet always exceptional, profile that represents the height of the distiller’s craft.

How to Enjoy Your Bottle of Kathleen’s Batch

To fully appreciate this special release, we recommend the following:

1. The Reflective Sip: Always begin by enjoying it neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped glass. Allow it to rest for several minutes to open up, revealing its full aromatic complexity. This is the best way to connect with its story.

2. The Water Enhancement: A few drops of distilled or spring water can soften the alcohol’s edge and unlock more subtle flavors, particularly the deeper vanilla and baking spice notes, offering a different perspective on its elegant character.

3. The Premium Cocktail: While it is a superb sipper, using a small amount in a premium Old Fashioned will create a cocktail of unparalleled depth and sophistication.

Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch Price and Availability

As with many rare and limited-edition small-batch bourbons, Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch can be hard to find, and its price can vary depending on location and availability. On average, you can expect the price of Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch to be around $100-$150 per bottle, though some sellers may charge more based on rarity and demand.

If you’re looking for Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch for sale, it’s important to act quickly, as the batch is no longer available in stores and can be hard to track down. Many collectors and enthusiasts keep an eye out for this specific release, which drives up demand.

You might be able to find Booker’s Kathleen’s Batch for sale online at various online liquor stores, or at local liquor stores near me that specialize in rare or limited-edition bottles. Websites like Rare Finds Liquor Store may occasionally stock it, so checking their inventory regularly can increase your chances of securing a bottle.

Booker’s Bourbon Whiskey vs Other Bourbon Brands

Bookers Bourbon stands apart from many other bourbons due to its uncut and unfiltered nature. Unlike many other bourbons, which are diluted with water before bottling, Bookers Bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel, allowing it to retain its full character and proof. This makes it an especially bold choice for anyone seeking an intense bourbon experience.

When comparing Bookers Bourbon to other popular bourbon whiskey brands, there are a few key differences:

• Higher Proof: Many bourbons are diluted to around 80-90 proof, but Booker’s is known for its high proof, often reaching over 120 proof, which provides a rich, robust flavor.

• Small Batch: Unlike mass-produced bourbons, Booker’s Bourbon Whiskey is made in small batches, ensuring a unique and high-quality product every time.

• Limited Releases: As a collector’s item, Booker’s Bourbon Whiskey often releases special batches like Kathleen’s Batch that are available in limited quantities, making it a sought-after treasure for bourbon enthusiasts.

Secure This Piece of History at Rare Finds Liquor Store

Booker’s ‘Kathleen’s Batch’ 2018-01 is the absolute embodiment of the heritage-rich, exceptional spirits we are honored to curate for our clients at Rare Finds Liquor Store. We specialize in connecting discerning collectors with the most allocated and rare bourbon that the market has to offer—bottles that tell the true, human stories of the industry.

As a premier and trusted destination to buy bourbon online, we are privileged to offer this acclaimed batch from our exclusive collection. We provide a secure, confidential, and white-glove service to buy bourbon whiskey online, ensuring that your investment is handled with the utmost care and discretion from our door to yours.

If your search for “bourbon for sale near me” is a quest for a bottle with soul, substance, and a profound story, you have found your ultimate partner. We are committed to being the best place to buy bourbon online for collectors who seek a genuine connection to the legacy within the bottle.

Do not miss the opportunity to own a taste of bourbon family history. For serious inquiries into this legendary and heartfelt release, contact Rare Finds Liquor Store directly. Own the legacy. Taste the tribute.