Baker's Exclusive Selection Single Barrel Bourbon

An 11-year, 8-month pick from warehouse CL-E (Claremont, KY), selected for Kroger. The presentation is striking, similar to the annual Masters Keep packaging, which would be more fitting for Thanksgiving, but this will suffice. I acquired this at a local impromptu release event. With a price around $115, my expectations are very high. I'm hoping for a recreation of Baker's 13... but how much of a difference does 1 year and 2 months make? The appearance is a light amber and relatively thin. The initial aroma is classic dusty peanuts. Vanilla frosting, oak, and heat. Caramel. A medley of baking spices including allspice, ginger, clove, and white peppercorn. So far, this strongly resembles the previous Baker's 13-year expression. It enters the palate thinly, dominated by loads and loads of oak. Oak seems endless, and it's dry. There are notes of caraway and stuffing, evoking Thanksgiving in a glass. I do miss the cranberries though – some fruit would be welcome. More brown sugar would also be nice. Perhaps I'm judging too quickly. There's a certain funk to it. Not as intense as Masters Keep 17 Year BiB, but it's present. It smells like dusty books and old wooden furniture. It's tannic but not quite astringent. In summary, this is not a sweet bourbon. This simply doesn't drink like a ~12-year-old bourbon. If I had to guess, I'd say it's 14-16 years old. It wouldn't make sense to label a single barrel as 11y 8m if it were actually older, so I'm assuming the age statement is accurate. Could the entry proof and barrel location in the rick house explain its bone-dry, funky character? However, it is definitely a Beam product (and drinks like a 15-year Beam product). It has a nutty undertone with slightly sour esters, and as Beam often does, it drinks above its stated proof (I would have guessed 115-120 proof). Score? I'm really unsure. It defies expectations in both positive and negative ways. This will alienate some people. Those expecting a brown sugar, cherry, and cinnamon bomb will be disappointed. Those who prefer dry, dusty notes and wood furniture will likely smirk and be amused but probably not fully satisfied. Anyone happy with something dry and dusty, nutty, and a bit hot will be ecstatic. I'm honestly undecided, so the score is preliminary. I still don't believe the age statement.

NOSE Oak, dried dark fruit, peanut brittle, cinnamon, clove, anise, leather, chocolate-covered cherries, char, and a slightly biscuity character. This is excellent. It evokes memories of older Booker's releases. PALATE Oak, dried dark fruit, peanut brittle, cinnamon, leather, char, and a slightly biscuity character, accompanied by subtle cocoa and black licorice nuances. Yes, very similar to older Booker's releases. Delicious. FINISH Extended length, featuring oak, dried dark fruit, peanut brittle, and baking spice.

Even at over 100 proof, this expression is exceptionally drinkable, even neat. Its nose offers warm fruity notes accented by caramel and vanilla bean, presenting a welcoming character. Consistent with much of the Baker’s line, this is a dependable bourbon that meets typical expectations for cask influence, mashbill, and sweetness. The finish is medium-long, with semi-dry vanilla/toffee notes as it fades. A truly excellent product that we endorse.

A 11-year, 8-month selection. The aroma is of caramel and honey. The palate has deep coffee cake flavors with hints of caramel. Perhaps nougat? Like a 3 Musketeers bar? It's delicious.

Floral honey aroma, rich texture. Well-aged oak and caramel on the palate (4.25/5) XXIK selection: 4.5/5

The nose has hot allspice and chutney, followed by a complex finish with soft vanilla.