The James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced the return of a fan-favorite in the bourbon world: Baker’s 13-Year Single Barrel Bourbon. This limited-edition release is particularly exciting for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate a well-aged, single-barrel whiskey. Bottled at 107 proof, the re-released Baker’s 13-Year expression showcases the impact that time, weather, and warehouse placement have on developing unique flavors from barrel to barrel.
Image credit: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
A Nod to Tradition and Family Legacy
Baker’s Bourbon carries a rich history within the Beam family. Named in honor of Baker Beam, the grandnephew of the legendary Jim Beam, the bourbon reflects a long-standing family tradition of distilling excellence. Baker Beam himself was a key figure at the Jim Beam Distillery, working there for 38 years. Known for his independent spirit and love for the craft, Baker’s unconventional style was legendary. He was often seen arriving at the distillery on his motorcycle, sporting a black leather jacket and wide-brimmed hat—a reflection of his maverick nature. In 1988, Booker Noe, another Beam family member and the sixth-generation master distiller at Jim Beam, created Baker’s Bourbon to honor his cousin’s contributions to the family business.
Evolution of Baker’s Bourbon
Baker’s Bourbon was originally introduced as part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection. The original version was a small-batch bourbon aged for a minimum of seven years and bottled at 107 proof. In 2019, Beam Suntory, the parent company of Jim Beam, revamped the Baker’s brand, transforming it into a single-barrel product. This change brought with it two age-stated expressions: the standard Baker’s 7-Year and the limited-edition Baker’s 13-Year.
The 13-year-old bourbon features a mashbill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. It’s noted for its deep, rust-colored hue, which hints at the rich and complex flavors developed over more than a decade of aging. The extra time in the barrel brings out a nuanced blend of oak, toasted nuts, vanilla, and fruit notes, making each bottle of Baker’s 13-Year a distinctive experience. Given that each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, subtle variations in taste are inevitable, adding to the unique charm of this expression.
The Impact of Aging and Barrel Placement
One of the hallmarks of Baker’s Bourbon, particularly in its 13-year form, is the way time and environmental factors influence the final product. The location of each barrel in the rickhouse plays a crucial role in shaping the whiskey’s flavor profile. Variations in temperature, humidity, and airflow all affect how the liquid interacts with the oak barrels. Over 13 years, these factors contribute to the development of complex notes that are unique to each barrel. From still to rickhouse to bottle, every step of the process is integral in creating the final product. The Baker’s 13-Year Bourbon is a showcase of how these elements come together to create a premium bourbon with distinct, layered flavors.
Tasting Notes and Availability
According to the brand’s official tasting notes, Baker’s 13-Year Single Barrel Bourbon offers a nose of fruit, vanilla, and caramel. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with prominent flavors of oak, toasted nuts, and a mix of vanilla and fruity notes. The finish is described as robust, medium-long, and warmly rounded, making it a satisfying sip for bourbon lovers.
This highly anticipated release is available nationwide as of August, but only in limited quantities. With a suggested retail price of $149.99 for a 750 mL bottle, it’s aimed at collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality, aged bourbon.
Conclusion
The re-release of Baker’s 13-Year Single Barrel Bourbon is a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and family heritage. Named after a distilling legend who marched to the beat of his own drum, this bourbon is a fitting tribute to both the man and the craft he loved. Its return offers bourbon enthusiasts another chance to experience the complexity and depth that only time, careful aging, and a single barrel can bring. As the bottles hit the shelves, they’re sure to be highly sought after, both for their rarity and for the rich, nuanced flavors that make Baker’s 13-Year Bourbon a standout in the world of premium whiskey.
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About Baker’s Bourbon
Baker’s Bourbon is a premium small-batch bourbon that’s part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, which also includes Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, and Booker’s. Launched in 1992, Baker’s Bourbon was created by Booker Noe, the sixth-generation master distiller of the Beam family, and it was named in honor of Baker Beam, Booker’s cousin and fellow master distiller. Baker’s is designed to showcase the nuanced flavors of a single barrel while offering a rich and full-bodied bourbon experience.
One of the defining features of Baker’s is its age and proof. It’s typically aged for a minimum of 7 years and bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV), striking a balance between robustness and smoothness. The bourbon is crafted from Jim Beam’s standard high-rye mash bill, which includes 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The result is a whiskey with a rich flavor profile, featuring notes of caramel, toasted nuts, vanilla, and a touch of fruit, with a warm, slightly spicy finish.
In 2019, Baker’s underwent a significant shift from being a small-batch bourbon to a single-barrel bourbon, further emphasizing its unique character. This transition allows each bottle to capture the individual traits of a specific barrel, providing a more distinct tasting experience. With the move to single-barrel, each bottle now carries specific details about the barrel, such as its warehouse location, to further highlight the variations that can occur in bourbon depending on where and how it’s aged.
Baker’s has carved out a place among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its depth of flavor and the craftsmanship behind it. While it’s robust enough to enjoy neat, it’s also versatile enough to be used in classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.
In summary, Baker’s Bourbon is a well-regarded expression within the Jim Beam family, offering a rich, nuanced, and robust bourbon experience. Its transition to a single-barrel offering has only enhanced its appeal to those who seek out unique, high-quality bourbons that showcase the art of whiskey-making.
About Beam Suntory
Beam Suntory is one of the world's leading spirits companies, known for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands and a rich heritage that spans centuries. Formed in 2014 through the merger of Beam Inc. and Suntory Holdings Limited, the company boasts a diverse range of spirits, including whiskey, tequila, vodka, rum, and liqueurs. Beam Suntory's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Laphroaig, Yamazaki, and Courvoisier, among many others, each with its own unique story and heritage.
With a presence in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, Beam Suntory is committed to delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship in every bottle. The company's dedication to innovation and tradition is evident in its wide range of products, which cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From small-batch bourbons to single malt Scotch whiskies, Beam Suntory's brands offer something for every whiskey enthusiast and spirit connoisseur.
Beyond its commitment to quality spirits, Beam Suntory is also dedicated to corporate responsibility and sustainability. The company strives to minimize its environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the communities where it operates through initiatives focused on responsible sourcing, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Overall, Beam Suntory stands as a global leader in the spirits industry, celebrated for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands, commitment to quality and craftsmanship, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Beam Suntory's spirits offer a taste of tradition and a memorable drinking experience for enthusiasts and consumers around the globe.
