Booker’s Bourbon Crosses Into Tequila Territory With Its 2025 Release of ‘The Reserves’

This is a significant and intriguing release in the spirits world. Here’s a breakdown of the news regarding Booker’s Bourbon’s 2025 release, ‘The Reserves’.

Booker’s Bourbon ‘The Reserves’ 2025 Release

This release marks a bold and unprecedented move for the iconic, top-shelf Beam bourbon line by venturing into the finishing processes typically associated with other spirits, particularly tequila.

The Core Concept: A Bourbon Finished in Tequila Casks

The Innovation: For its 2025 annual batch collection, titled ‘The Reserves’, Booker’s is finishing its signature uncut, unfiltered, barrel-strength bourbon in barrels that previously held añejo tequila.
The Significance: This is a major departure for Booker’s. The brand has built its reputation on being a pure, unadulterated expression of classic, high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Using finishing barrels, especially ones that held a spirit as flavorful as tequila, is a groundbreaking experiment for the line.

The Name: ‘The Reserves’ likely refers to both the “reserve” of rare bourbon barrels selected for this special release and the “reserve” of tequila casks used for finishing.

What to Expect from the Whiskey

Flavor Profile: While official tasting notes will come from the brand, we can make educated guesses based on the process:
- Base: The classic Booker’s profile of vanilla, oak, caramel, and robust peanut notes (a Beam signature).
- Influence from Tequila Casks: The añejo tequila casks should impart unique flavors such as:
  - Agave Notes: A sweet, earthy, and slightly vegetal character distinct from the bourbon’s native sweetness.
  - Citrus: Hints of cooked citrus or lime zest.
  - Pepper & Spice: A potential black pepper or herbal spice note.
  - Oak & Vanilla: Since añejo tequila is aged in oak, these casks will contribute additional layers of vanilla and tannin rather than entirely new flavors.
Proof: Like all Booker’s releases, it will be bottled at its natural cask strength, likely somewhere between 120-130 proof (60-65% ABV). The high proof will carry the complex flavors powerfully.

Context and Why This is a Big Deal

Breaking Tradition: Booker’s has always been a benchmark for “traditional” bourbon. This move shows a willingness to innovate and adapt to modern trends, where cask finishing is immensely popular.
The Tequila-Bourbon Crossroads: Tequila, especially high-quality aged tequila, is experiencing a massive boom. This release cleverly taps into the audiences of both premium bourbon and premium tequila.
Luxury and Rarity: As part of Booker’s limited annual batch collection, ‘The Reserves’ will be highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, likely commanding a premium price and quick sell-out.

When to Expect It and How to Get It

Release Date: Booker’s batches are typically released quarterly. ‘The Reserves’ collection is slated for 2025, so specific batches will likely be announced throughout the year.
Availability: It will be a limited release. It will appear at select liquor stores and online retailers, but it will be difficult to find due to high demand.
Price Point: Expect it to be in line with or slightly above other Booker’s batches, which often range from $90 to $120 USD.

Conclusion

Booker’s ‘The Reserves’ is more than just a new bourbon; it’s a statement. It signals that even the most traditional American whiskey brands are exploring new frontiers to create unique and innovative products. Whether it becomes a beloved innovation or a controversial misstep will depend on the final product, but it is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated spirit releases of 2025.

For the most accurate information, keep an eye on the official Jim Beam and Booker’s Bourbon social media channels and website for the official announcement and tasting notes.