Booker’s ‘The Reserve 2026’ Is Its Second-Ever Rye, Aged in Ex-Brandy Casks

Booker’s is releasing its second-ever rye whiskey as the label’s newest addition to its Reserves collection. Booker’s The Reserves 2026 is a limited-edition whiskey finished in apple brandy casks and flavored with cinnamon. The uncut rye, which was aged for over six years and bottled at 125.1 proof, is now available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $129.99.

James B. Beam Distilling Co.-owned Booker’s newest release joins Big Time Batch, released in 2016, as the only two ryes in its lineup. It is also the third whiskey of The Reserves collection, which the brand launched in 2024 with annual, limited releases to honor former master distiller Booker Noe’s legacy.

News of an apple brandy finish from Booker’s leaked earlier this year and spawned disapproval across social media, with devotees decrying the ultra-premium brand for leaning into gimmickry. But in a press release, master distiller Freddie Noe, grandson to Booker, says the inspiration behind the cinnamon- and apple-flavored rye came from his grandfather’s annual batch of apple wine.

Brand tasting notes for The Reserves 2026 highlight apple and seasoned oak on the nose. The rich palate opens with barrel char, vanilla, and caramel, leading to a finish of warm apple pie.

“This release is a very Reserves take on his recipe,” Noe says in the release. “A robust rye whiskey — the elusive Booker’s rye you all love so much — aged in apple brandy casks with some cinnamon sticks for added character.”

*Image retrieved from Suntory Global Spirits

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