🥃 Baker's

Baker's is a Kentucky bourbon from Jim Beam, named after Baker Beam, a sixth-generation distiller from the family. The bourbon is aged for at least seven years and bottled at 107 proof, which is 53.5% ABV. Since October 2019 it has been bottled as single barrel. The owner of Jim Beam is Suntory Global Spirits.

History. Baker was a grandnephew of Jim Beam, and according to the producer he was the sixth generation of distillers in the family. The brand was created in his honour by his cousin Booker Noe when Baker retired. Baker's was previously sold as small batch, meaning blended from several barrels. In October 2019 Jim Beam moved it to single barrel without changing the age or strength.

How it's made. Under bourbon rules, the mash must contain at least 51% corn, and the spirit is matured in new charred oak barrels. It enters the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV and is bottled at no less than 40% ABV. The producer says each bottle of Baker's is filled from a single barrel, so the flavour depends on the barrel's position in the rickhouse, the weather and the barrel's age.

Range. The line includes 7 Years Old Single Barrel and 7 Years Old High Rye, which has a higher share of rye, as well as the limited 13 Years Old Single Barrel.

Why it matters to you. Single barrel means bottles from different barrels can taste different. At 53.5% ABV the strength is well above the typical 40%, so adding water changes the experience a lot. Check the label to see which version it is: 7 years, High Rye or 13 years. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.