The fourth and somewhat stepchild of the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection, Baker’s, is what we are drinking today. We say, tongue in cheek, that it’s the stepchild of that collection because when it was introduced as a small batch Bourbon, you had Basil Hayden as the inexpensive but still somewhat high-end entry-level juice, with Knob Creek being the choice for more experienced Bourbon drinkers. And for higher proof and higher price, you had barrel-proof Booker’s. Baker’s was kind of in a no man’s land. We say “was” because a few years back, Beam changed Baker’s from a small batch to a single barrel. From their website, “Baker has always believed the ideal bourbon is made according to three fundamental rules: First, it’s aged at least seven years because that’s the sweet spot for getting big vanilla notes from the charred oak barrel. Second, a great bourbon carries substantial flavor. And third, when he tries it, he better like it. These rules might seem simple, but they make for one hell of a bourbon.” Regarding the name, also from the website, “Named for a truck-driving, motorcycle-riding, bourbon-loving, hardworking whiskey man, Baker’s® Single Barrel Bourbon is a singular experience. A big, bold bourbon that was created by one legend to honor another.” We have no idea who they are talking about.
As the label suggests, Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon has to be at least 7 years old, even though some batches are older. There is an age statement on every bottle. The bottle is pretty easy to find, is 107 proof, goes for around $60, and comes in a non-descript corked bottle. The mash bill consists of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley.
It has been over 5 years since we have tasted Baker’s Bourbon, it was a small batch then and we didn’t think it was worth the $60 that is sold for at the time. But times have changed, and while Bourbon prices have gone through the roof, somehow Baker’s has stayed around the same price. Nowadays, $60 doesn’t seem all that pricey, especially for a 7-year single barrel. So, did the change from small batch to single barrel improve Baker’s? We shall find out.
NOSE
Matt: Nice aroma with a balance of wood, grain, sweetness, fruit, and a little spice. Oak, corn, rye, vanilla, and grain come out up front, with some yeast and leather coming in right behind. Ice keeps the same scents but adds some freshness.
Todd: Get a strong butterscotch aroma, after that nothing jumps out, but do get a lot of other good scents including wood, cereal, rye, spice, and just a slight bit of cinnamon and peach.
TASTE
Matt: Medium body with a touch of heat neat. Get the oak, rye, vanilla, and leather that I got on the nose. Adding to that is tobacco, black pepper, and cinnamon. Ice keeps all the above and added a grape-like fruitiness. Couldn’t decide if the grape taste was green or purple.
Todd: I lost the butterscotch and gained vanilla. Also getting some oak, some nuttiness, bread, pepper, and a bit of rye.
FINISH
Matt: Medium with more of the same tastes mentioned above.
Todd: Medium with a bit more of the nuttiness and some spice.
OVERALL
Matt: Great neat, better on ice. A good Bourbon that I would buy again.
Todd: I could get used to the idea of having a bottle in my house.
Nose 4 out of 5
Taste 7.75 out of 10
Finish 4 out of 5
Total score 15.75 out of 20 barrels.
Either our tastes have changed, or the switch to a single-barrel format made a big difference because we both liked this Bourbon a lot more than the last time we had it. Seems more balanced, with added complexity on both the nose and tongue. Also, helps that after 5 years it still sells for $60.
Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon is good neat, on the rocks, and in an old fashioned. At this price, you won’t feel bad about mixing it. If you haven’t had it in a while, especially for 5-plus years, we recommend you get a bottle and enjoy it in your favorite way to drink Bourbon.