Booker’s Rye is a singular titan in American whiskey history. Released in June 2016 as a one-off limited bottling, this was distilled from an experimental 70% rye mash bill—one of the final distillations personally overseen by Booker Noe before his passing in 2004. It remains the first and only rye whiskey ever released under the Booker's name.
The Emerald Standard
Booker's Rye made history by being named World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's 2017 Whisky Bible—the first American whiskey to claim the title in years.
-
Finite Production: Drawn from fewer than 100 barrels; Beam has confirmed no further production will ever occur.
-
Record Proof: At 136.2 proof, it stands as the highest-proof release in the entire history of the Booker's brand.
-
Experimental Bill: A unique 70% Rye / 30% Corn & Barley recipe that was never utilized before or since.
Sensory Profile
Nose: Burnt sugar, orange marmalade, and chocolate-covered malt. Fresh hay and high-toned rye grain develop with air. Spicy and immensely complex.
Palate: Full-bodied and velvety. Hot rye spice on entry transitions into a creamy mid-palate of graham cracker, sea salt, and mascarpone.
Finish: Decadent and lasting. A tannic, grain-forward conclusion that sustains the 136.2-proof intensity with grace.
Structural Exclusivity
Booker’s Rye is structurally singular: a 13-year-old rye from a dead mash bill. It represents the high-water mark of the experimental "Big Man, Big Spirit" philosophy that defined Booker Noe’s career.
"The most collected American rye of the modern era."
Technical Specifications
| Distillery |
Jim Beam (Clermont), Clermont, KY |
| Style |
Kentucky Straight Rye (Uncut & Unfiltered) |
| Age Statement |
13 Years, 1 Month, 12 Days |
| Proof / ABV |
136.2 Proof / 68.1% ABV |
| Mash Bill |
70% Rye / 30% Corn & Malted Barley |
| Production |
Limited one-off release (< 100 Barrels) |
| Awards |
2017 World Whisky of the Year (Jim Murray) |
Collector Notes
Booker's Rye is a "unicorn" in the truest sense. Its secondary market value is driven by the absolute finality of its production—there is no "next batch." Condition is paramount for this bottle; the integrity of the emerald green wax seal and the original wooden presentation case significantly dictate value. Every bottle offered here is verified for pristine seal condition and includes all original presentation packaging. It is a mandatory cornerstone for any collection focused on historic American grain experiments.
Recommended Serving
This is a contemplative masterpiece best appreciated neat at room temperature in a Glencairn glass. At 136.2 proof, a few drops of water are highly recommended to reveal the creamy mid-palate nuances of mascarpone and sea salt. Due to its finite nature, cocktail use is strictly discouraged.
