Why settle for a baker’s dozen when you could have a Baker’s 7?
Baker’s 7 Year is/was part of the elite Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, which includes Basil Hayden’s, Knob Creek, Booker’s, and up until 2019, Baker’s. The bourbon gets its name from Baker Beam – the grand-nephew of Jim Beam. Baker grew up on the distillery, worked an array of odd jobs around the property, and spent a lot of time with his cousin, Booker Noe. Unlike his cousin who worked every role from security guard to distiller, the only job Booker cared about was “Master Distiller,” which he had for over 40 years within the company. In his role, Booker actually coined the term “small batch” and named new bourbons after himself (Booker’s) and his favorite cousin (Baker’s).
Baker’s 7 was first released as a small batch bourbon with around 200 barrels being blended together for one bottle. However, by the end of 2019, Baker’s 7 became a single barrel bourbon and the new Baker’s 13 Year Single Barrel hit the market. Baker’s 7 Single Barrel became a permanent offering with a seven year age statement, while Baker’s 13 carried a thirteen year age statement as a limited release (aka it is now impossible to find and impossible to afford).
So how does the rebellious single barrel of the small batch collection actually taste? Pretty damn good, if you ask us. The initial smell is a large waft of roasted peanuts and dry, dark chocolate – almost like someone’s baking a chocolate and peanut butter cookie. The middle flavor does carry a bit of heat, which is perfectly acceptable at 107 proof, especially since it’s joined by the taste of toasted caramel and vanilla. The end notes take an unexpected rye turn with a mildly sweet, soft pepper taste like white peppercorns along with just the tiniest herbal note. Then, for the finish, the flavor goes right back to where it started with a sweet, nutty, caramel finish that lasts and lingers.
Baker’s 7 may be the odd man out in a collection of small batch bourbons, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing here. Without a doubt, Booker Noe nailed the recipe for a complex, balanced, and fully-baked bourbon.
STATS: Baker’s 7 Single Barrel Bourbon
- Price for us: $70 for 750 mL
- Proof: 107
- Aged: 7 Years
- Distillery: Jim Beam, owned by Beam Suntory
- Recommendation: Neat
