Baker’s Bourbon Officially Becomes A Single Barrel

Baker’s Bourbon, part of the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection created by Jim Beam 6th Generation Master Distiller Booker Noe, is going from a small batch to a single barrel bourbon, exclusively. Maintaining its signature 107 proof and minimum seven-year age statement, Baker’s Bourbon will also debut a new bottle design featuring details about the individual barrel including the age, the warehouse in which it was aged and the date it was barreled. The transformation allows Baker’s Bourbon to be as uniquely positioned in the Small Batch Bourbon Collection as its namesake Baker Beam is in the Beam family of distillers.

“Baker’s Bourbon has always been a bit of a hidden gem of our portfolio,” said Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “With my cousin Baker’s blessing, we’ve decided to give his namesake brand a little bit of the spotlight it deserves. We hope the folks who currently enjoy Baker’s enjoy it even more as a single barrel offering, and that some more folks want to add it to their repertoire.”

Baker Beam, grand-nephew of Jim Beam and now retired 6th Generation Beam Family Distiller, worked just about every job at the Jim Beam Distillery during his 38 years in the family business, eventually landing in the role of distiller at the Clermont, Ky. plant. In 1992, his cousin Booker Noe was serving as the family’s 6th Generation Master Distiller when he created Baker’s Bourbon as part of the Small Batch Collection. Booker cited Baker’s unique charisma as his inspiration for the bourbon’s name and honored his cousin’s personal preference for a medium-bodied bourbon with a smooth finish.

“For 27 years, I’ve been proud to lend my name to Baker’s Bourbon, and I’m excited for this new chapter,” said Baker Beam. “Baker’s has always been enjoyed by people who know a thing or two about their whiskey, and I think our fans are in for a real treat as we let the character of each single barrel come through. Let’s get the barrel rolling!”

Baker’s Bourbon is distilled at a lower proof than most whiskies from the James B. Beam Distilling Company, which contributes to its rich flavor. As a single barrel bourbon, the tasting notes will vary from barrel to barrel and bottle to bottle, but some of the defining characteristics include:

This fall, Baker’s Bourbon will also debut its first-ever limited-time offering: a 13-year-old single barrel bourbon that cranks its “good, honest whiskey” – as Baker would say – up a notch. This special bourbon has been patiently aging for a special occasion, and this moment in the brand’s history is it. Spending thirteen years in the barrel gives this rare offering noticeably richer notes of oak and toasted nut. In addition to its unique taste, this limited-time offering will stand out in a premium gift box, metallic-inspired label and metal neck charm.

The Whiskey Reviewer covered the new Baker’s Single Barrel as a sneak peek review, both the first look on the internet as well as coming out before the new bourbon reached the market, in August.

Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon is now available nationwide with a Suggested Retail Price of $59.99 for a 750 mL bottle. Baker’s® 13-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon is also available nationwide in extremely limited quantities with a Suggested Retail Price of $99.99 for a 750 mL bottle.