Beam’s New ‘Milkshake’ Bourbon Is Inspired by Family Dessert Tradition

(Photo: James B. Beam)

On Wednesday, Booker’s Bourbon unveiled out its second 2026 release, a limited batch inspired by Booker Noe’s habit of spiking chocolate malted milkshake with a “generous pour of bourbon,” according to the brand.

The new expression, Booker’s Batch 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch,” is bottled uncut and unfiltered at 124.4 proof and aged seven years, six months and 12 days.

The batch is made from four production dates pulled from four seven-story warehouse locations. The blend breaks down as such:

• 26% aged on the fifth floor of Warehouse 3,
• 23% from the third floor of Warehouse L,
• 19% from the third floor of Warehouse M
• and 32% from Warehouse G at Waterfall.

The release continues Booker’s tradition of naming batches after personal stories tied to Booker Noe, the late distiller known for shaping the modern small-batch bourbon category. The “Milkshake Batch” references a family memory involving seventh-generation Master Distiller Fred Noe sharing chocolate malted milkshakes with his father, Booker, after fishing trips. Booker eventually started upgrading the milkshakes with bourbon, a tradition that the brand says is continued by Fred and his son, eighth-generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe.

Production notes describe the bourbon as having a rich golden-amber color shaped by Kentucky’s seasonal aging conditions. The nose carries vanilla and spice, while the palate is described as bold and full-flavored with a long, lingering finish.

“I am going to make a milkshake tonight and add some of this batch of Booker’s,” Fred Noe said. “I know it will be great and bring back memories of my dad enjoying his favorite treats.”

The bourbon carries a suggested retail price of $99.99.