Review #: 441
Description: Baker’s Bourbon (Silver Neck)
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: This is a bottle of Baker’s from some time in the past. I am not sure when they made these bottles that had a silver ring around the neck. I think maybe around the 90s or early 2000s? Either way, it was still back when Beam made this as a small batch product and fixed proof, but a solid 7 years old. Let’s see how it tastes, keep in mind I was a decent fan of the modern day small batch before it switched to the single barrel.
Distillery – Jim Beam
Bottler – Jim Beam
Brand – Baker’s
Selection – N/A
ABV – 53.5%
Age – 7 Years
Nose – Really rich praline, nougat, strawberry shortcake, burnt marshmallow, horseradish, white pepper. Air time makes it change from sweet to drier and more savory
Taste – Beam peanut is there but pretty dry and roasty, light caramel, brown sugar, oak comes through
Finish – Roasted peanuts, strong oak, black pepper. Perfect linger of spice and warmth that sits on the tongue.
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Probably not from this era, but it makes me want to go out and get a bottle of Baker’s
Thoughts: This has always been a bit of an odd product when Booker’s and Knob Creek single barrels exist, yet it continues to be a solid pour that offers interesting flavor, depth, and age. Cost is still the biggest thing, since it’s now about $60 for a bottle, when KC SiB are the same or less, but I think, especially if you can still find some small batch bottles, you won’t feel bad about the purchase.