The James B. Beam Distilling Co. recently introduced Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon, a new expression in the Baker’s Bourbon lineup that increases the rye content to create a unique, spicy flavor profile for bourbon enthusiasts. This release adds another high-quality bourbon to Jim Beam's Small Batch Bourbon Collection, a lineup well-known for its premium quality, with the new expression arriving at a price of $74.99.
Image credit: Jim Beam
The Legacy of Baker’s Bourbon
The Baker’s Bourbon brand was first introduced in 1992 by Booker Noe, a sixth-generation Beam family master distiller, who named it in honor of his cousin, Baker Beam. Baker, a member of the Beam family himself, held a lifelong connection to the distillery, working at James B. Beam Distilling Co. for decades starting in 1954. Over the years, Baker took on various responsibilities, from driving trucks that transported grain to serving as nightwatchman, grain handler, and even fermentation chief. His deep familiarity with the production process and hands-on involvement in nearly every aspect of distillery operations influenced the bourbon’s development and quality.
Initially, the Baker’s Bourbon lineup was based on a small-batch formula with a mash bill that included 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. This bourbon was appreciated for its classic, rich flavor with notes of toffee, caramel, and charred oak. By 2019, Jim Beam’s parent company, Suntory Global Spirits, relaunched Baker’s as a single-barrel lineup, elevating it with unique variants, including a 7-year single-barrel bourbon and a highly sought-after 13-year expression.
The High-Rye Twist
With the release of Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon, the brand took an innovative step by doubling the rye content of its signature 7-year single-barrel bourbon. While the original Baker’s 7 Year Old featured a mash bill with 13% rye, this high-rye variant brings the rye content up to 26%. Though the exact proportions of corn and malted barley remain undisclosed, it’s clear that the boost in rye introduces a more distinct spice character, making this bourbon stand out in flavor and intensity. This significant increase in rye content adds depth and complexity, giving bourbon lovers a fresh take on the classic recipe.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
According to the distillery, Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon opens with a pronounced aroma of charred oak, balanced by the sweet, comforting notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruits. These aromas lead into a palate that combines the smoky undertone of charred oak with rich, brown sweets, hinting at flavors reminiscent of caramel and toffee. The increased rye content introduces a subtle spice, which, combined with the bourbon’s natural sweetness, creates a rounded, balanced experience. The finish is described as full-bodied and crisp, with hints of baking spice adding a dry, satisfying complexity that lingers on the palate.
The bourbon is aged for a minimum of seven years and bottled at a robust 107 proof (53.5% ABV). This extended aging and higher proof contribute to its intense flavors and long, warming finish, making it suitable for sipping neat or enjoying with minimal dilution to appreciate its full character.
Tribute to a Family Legacy
Beyond its unique taste, Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon serves as a tribute to Baker Beam’s hard work and legacy within the Beam family and distilling industry. Baker's early involvement in grain transportation for the distillery inspired this expression. His experience handling various grains, including rye, contributed to his understanding of how different grains shape the flavor of bourbon. The brand’s tribute to his work is not only a nod to his dedication but also a recognition of his appreciation for rye’s distinct contribution to bourbon’s complexity.
The combination of Baker Beam's history with the distillery, along with the meticulous crafting of this high-rye bourbon, ties together the heritage of the Beam family with the innovation in bourbon making. The release of Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon expands Jim Beam’s collection, giving enthusiasts an opportunity to experience a unique expression that maintains the high standards of its predecessors while offering a fresh, spicy twist.
Availability and Pricing
Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon is available nationwide, retailing at $74.99. It joins the other expressions in the Baker’s lineup, including the classic 7 Year Old Single Barrel, which retails around $60, and the limited 13-year release, both of which have their own devoted followings.
Final Thoughts
With its higher rye content, Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon offers a new and exciting choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something with a stronger, spicier character. The bourbon’s release honors the Beam family’s legacy and celebrates Baker Beam’s lifetime dedication to the craft of bourbon making. By adding this innovative expression to the Small Batch Bourbon Collection, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. demonstrates its ongoing commitment to quality and tradition while keeping an eye on modern tastes and trends in the bourbon world.
About James B. Beam Distilling Co.
James B. Beam Distilling Co. is one of the most iconic and historically significant distilleries in the world, known for its production of Jim Beam bourbon and its central role in shaping the American whiskey landscape. Founded in 1795, the distillery is located in Clermont, Kentucky, and is one of the longest continuously running distilleries in the country, despite interruptions during Prohibition. Today, it remains a leader in the bourbon industry, producing some of the most widely recognized and consumed bourbon brands globally.
The distillery’s legacy began with Jacob Beam, who sold his first barrels of whiskey in 1795, making what would eventually become known as Jim Beam one of the oldest bourbon brands in the U.S. However, it was James B. Beam, often referred to as "Jim," who rebuilt the distillery after Prohibition ended in 1933, ensuring that the family’s bourbon legacy would continue. It was under his leadership that the brand truly flourished, and it was renamed Jim Beam in his honor.
Today, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. is part of Beam Suntory, a multinational spirits company that owns a variety of premium whiskey brands, but Jim Beam remains at the heart of the distillery’s operations. Jim Beam is known for its flagship bourbon, which has a balanced flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak, making it approachable for both casual drinkers and bourbon enthusiasts. The distillery’s consistent quality and affordable pricing have made Jim Beam one of the best-selling bourbons worldwide.
In addition to the core Jim Beam label, the distillery produces a range of bourbon expressions that appeal to a variety of tastes. The Jim Beam Black is a longer-aged version, offering a richer, deeper flavor with more oak influence. Jim Beam Devil’s Cut introduces a bolder, more intense bourbon by incorporating whiskey that’s extracted from the wood of the barrel staves, creating a unique and robust profile. Other expressions like Jim Beam Single Barrel and Jim Beam Double Oak offer more specialized, premium options within the brand.
Beyond Jim Beam, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. also produces other well-known whiskey brands, including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, and Baker’s. These labels are part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection, which was introduced by Jim Beam’s great-grandson, Booker Noe, in the early 1990s to showcase high-quality, handcrafted bourbons. This initiative helped to fuel the growing popularity of premium and craft bourbons in the U.S.
Knob Creek, known for its robust, full-bodied flavor, is often regarded as one of the standout brands in the small-batch bourbon category. Booker’s, named after Booker Noe, is a barrel-proof bourbon that is unfiltered and uncut, offering bourbon enthusiasts a bold and unadulterated whiskey experience.
The distillery itself has become a major tourist attraction, with its Jim Beam American Stillhouse offering tours that take visitors through the history, production process, and tasting of the distillery’s famous bourbons. The distillery also showcases its deep commitment to tradition while embracing innovation, such as using modern technology to ensure consistency and quality while adhering to time-honored practices like aging bourbon in charred new oak barrels.
The Beam family has been instrumental in preserving the legacy and quality of the distillery over generations. Today, Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s great-grandson, and his son, Freddie Noe, continue to lead the brand, ensuring that the craftsmanship and tradition behind every bottle remain intact.
In summary, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. is not only a cornerstone of the bourbon industry but a symbol of American whiskey heritage. With its roots in early American distillation and a legacy that spans over 225 years, the distillery continues to influence and lead the world of bourbon, from its widely beloved Jim Beam label to its premium small-batch offerings. Its commitment to tradition, quality, and innovation makes it a central figure in the global whiskey market.