Baker’s Bourbon Officially Goes Exclusively Single Barrel

In the portfolio of Small Batch Bourbon Collection whiskeys that American whiskey giant Beam Suntory has in its stable one that has quietly been making drinkers happy for many a year is Baker’s Bourbon. So named for Baker Beam, grand-nephew of Jim Beam and now retired 6th generation Beam family distiller, this seven year old bourbon has always been known as a consistent good pour at 107 proof. It was first hinted at earlier this year that Baker’s might be going in a bit of a different direction going forward, and now word has officially come down of what those plans are.

The new Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon, according to those behind it, will retain both the signature proof and minimum seven year age statement, but what’s new is a solid updated bottle design and, more importantly, that this whiskey is transitioning to a single barrel bourbon, exclusively. What is positive to note here as well is the fact that, on the updated bottle label, will be details about the individual barrel including the age, the warehouse in which it was aged and the date it was barreled.

In addition to this, plans are in the works for a first ever, limited time Baker’s offering – a 13-year-old single barrel bourbon that will have special packaging including “a premium gift box, metallic-inspired label and metal neck charm.”

“Baker’s Bourbon has always been a bit of a hidden gem of our portfolio,” said Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th generation master distiller, in a prepared statement. “With my cousin Baker’s blessing, we’ve decided to give his namesake brand a little bit of the spotlight it deserves. We hope the folks who currently enjoy Baker’s enjoy it even more as a single barrel offering, and that some more folks want to add it to their repertoire.”

For those that don’t know that much about Baker Beam, it is said he worked just about every job at the Jim Beam Distillery during his 38 years in the family business, eventually landing in the role of distiller at the Clermont, Ky. plant. In 1992, his cousin Booker Noe was serving as the family’s 6th generation master distiller when he created Baker’s Bourbon as part of the Small Batch Collection. Booker cited “Baker’s unique charisma” as his inspiration for the bourbon’s name and honored his cousin’s personal preference “for a medium-bodied bourbon with a smooth finish.”

“For 27 years, I’ve been proud to lend my name to Baker’s Bourbon, and I’m excited for this new chapter,” added Baker Beam. “Baker’s has always been enjoyed by people who know a thing or two about their whiskey, and I think our fans are in for a real treat as we let the character of each single barrel come through. Let’s get the barrel rolling!”

As it stands now the new Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon, of which you’ll find some official tasting notes below for, is available nationwide for around $60 per 750 ml bottle. The limited Baker’s 13-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon is also floating around out there for around $100.

• Nose: Fruit, vanilla and caramel
• Palate: Medium bodied with flavors of oak, toasted nuts and vanilla
• Finish: Robust, medium long, and warmly rounded
• Sipping Suggestions: Baker’s Bourbon is best enjoyed neat, over ice or with a few drops of water.