Baker's Single Barrel Bourbon 7 Year

The nose is strong, rich and spicy. Plenty of alcohol, barrel char, oaky spice, pickle juice and fruit up front. After a bit of breathing subtler notes become evident, vanilla bean, gingerbread, cinnamon, cayenne, lemon drops, cherry lozenges, and a hint of milk chocolate. Hot on the tongue upon entry, lots of prickly chili pepper, fresh ginger, and Atomic FireBall candies. There’s a momentary sharp bitterness, almost like tasting alum. However, this is followed quickly by a torrent of sweetness and a great depth of flavor. Dark caramel and fruit syrup, with Meyer lemon, cherry, apple, peaches, plums, and even figs. Spice follows in the same vein as that detected on the nose. The body is plush and velvety, as soft on entry as the palate is harsh. Legs are rapid yet thick, leaving behind a couple of skirts of broken bells, one at mid glass and the other just above the liquid. The finish is not as dry as expected, considering the intensity up to this point, but it’s woody, nutty, and pleasant. There’s charred oak, walnut, and a touch of cocoa powder. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 9 Finish: 8 Date barreled: 03-2016 Barrel age: 7 years, 5 months Serial no.: 004004310 Warehouse: BN-D

Rating a bottle that's been open a few years...probably purchased in 2020 or 2021. Pours amber, and a quick nose gives you the impression that this means business. Spicy, but bourbon through and through, there's plenty of vanilla and wood on the nose, but more than a healthy dose of ethanol makes you feel like you're diving into something 125+. Taking in the scent a bit more cautiously, it is actually quite pleasant, with vanilla remaining the key variable on the nose. Flavor is also vanilla-forward, with elements of spice on the edges (though far from a 'spicy' pour, there's also a sweetness alongside the vanilla). Some sweet cherry notes on the backend give it just a bit more depth to an otherwise straightforward pour. A pretty bold pour, this one drinks hot for the proof, which doesn't come as a surprise if you've given the dram a proper nosing. It's a pleasant drink...and one that I enjoyed early in my bourbon career, but there isn't a ton of depth here (which makes me excited to crack the Bakers 13 sitting on the shelf...another night!)

Warehouse CL-X proof 107 Age of 8 YRS 10 MOS I took a break from bourbon. Bought this bottle on a whim and figured I'd crack it open. What's inside is pretty different from the usual fare I drink. Dull chocolate and caramel on the nose. Some licorice. Spice. Oak. Nuttiness with a little bit of sweetness. Vanilla. The palate brings back that caramel covered chocolate. Pecan. Some oak. Spice begins to come through near the finish in a surprising amount at first. Tastes a bit hotter than expected. But It calms as you drink it and become accustomed, and that spice becomes a high point. Finishes off with previously mentioned spice, oak, and bitter chocolate. Overall, it's a pleasant bottle that offers something a bit different. It's not overally complex but is still good for what it is.

On the nose a huge amount of vanilla and rye spice hit first mellowing into notes of cherry, caramel, and brown sugar. The spices continue to infiltrate the nasal passage causing you to think that the proof is much higher than the 107. The spiciness is very apparent on the palate and immediately attacks the throat with warmth. The teeth and roof of the mouth are completely coated with caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and notes of white grapefruit and apricot. The finish is long lasting and continues to deliver flavors. Further sips replenish the mouth with the full flavors this bourbon has to offer. This is a very complex and gorgeous offering. Jim Beam has done well here. Nose: 3.75/5 Taste: 4.5/5 Overall: 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Friday Night Pour/Special Occasion

Nice legs. Nose is mild, fall spice and fruit. Just a hint of anise. Palate hits with black pepper, peanuts, and a little woodiness in the background. Comes off a bit tannic, bitter. A trace of pure sugar flashes for a moment. The finish stays peppery and woody. This has never been a favorite of mine, but it makes a good entry in Jim Beam blind tastings. Letting it sit with ice mellows it, but still not something I would drink purposefully, just for tastings. I'm not thinking of a cocktail this would fit nicely in. This bottle will last a long while.

Baker's Single Barrel 107 Proof Barreled 01-24 Barrel Age 8 years 8 months Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, toffee, some dark fruit. Palate: Sweet clove with a touch of cinnamon. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7/10 - A solid sipper and would probably stand up to some ice. A bit higher proof would help the finish, but otherwise quite nice.