Booker's 2017-02 "Blue Knights Batch" Bourbon

Booker's 2017-02 "Blue Knights Batch" is the second named batch of 2017 from the Booker's program at Jim Beam — the annual small batch, uncut, unfiltered cask strength Kentucky straight bourbon that Booker Noe created in 1992. The "Blue Knights" name pays tribute to law enforcement, specifically the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, which has chapters across the United States and Canada. Each Booker's batch is named for a story meaningful to the Noe family or the community around the distillery.

Booker's 2017-02 is bottled at approximately 125.7 proof (62.85% ABV), aged 6 years, 4 months, and 13 days — the exact age and proof vary barrel to barrel but are printed on the label with Booker's characteristic transparency. Non-chill filtered, uncut from the barrel, with the hand-dipped wax seal and wooden presentation box that have defined the Booker's brand since its founding.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Warm caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, brown sugar, baking spice — classic Jim Beam high-proof character
• Palate: Full and concentrated — toffee, charred barrel, rye pepper, dark fruit, rich oily mouthfeel from the cask strength bottling
• Finish: Long and warming with persistent barrel spice and sweet vanilla fade

Product Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Blue Knights and why were they chosen for this batch?

The Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is a non-profit fraternal organization founded in 1974, with chapters in the US, Canada, and internationally. Members are active and retired law enforcement officers. Fred Noe, Booker's son and current Jim Beam master distiller, chose the Blue Knights to honor law enforcement officers and the motorcycle community — two groups closely connected to the brand's Kentucky heritage.

How does Booker's 2017-02 compare to other named batches?

Booker's began naming batches in 2016 — each year's releases have distinct flavor profiles driven by individual barrel selections. The 2017 batches draw from barrels aged approximately 6-7 years at cask strength, with 2017-02 representing a mid-year selection. Collectors who track the full Booker's named batch series seek every annual batch to document the year-over-year variation in proof, age, and flavor.

Is Booker's 2017-02 still easy to find?

No. Named Booker's batches are allocated upon release and not restocked once sold through. The 2017 lineup has been out of primary market circulation since 2017-2018, making individual bottles available only through secondary sources and specialty retailers like Wooden Cork who have held inventory.