Baker's Single Barrel Bourbon 7 Year

The nose is strong, rich, and spicy. Plenty of alcohol, barrel char, oaky spice, pickle juice, and fruit are prominent initially. After some breathing, subtler notes emerge: vanilla bean, gingerbread, cinnamon, cayenne, lemon drops, cherry lozenges, and a hint of milk chocolate. It's hot on the tongue upon entry, with lots of prickly chili pepper, fresh ginger, and Atomic FireBall candies. There's a momentary sharp bitterness, almost like tasting alum. However, this is quickly followed by a flood of sweetness and great depth of flavor. Dark caramel and fruit syrup, with Meyer lemon, cherry, apple, peaches, plums, and even figs. Spice follows in the same vein as detected on the nose. The body is plush and velvety, soft on entry despite the palate's harshness. Legs are rapid yet thick, leaving behind a couple of skirts of broken bells, one mid-glass and the other just above the liquid. The finish isn't as dry as expected, given the intensity up to this point, but it's woody, nutty, and pleasant. It features charred oak, walnut, and a touch of cocoa powder. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 9 Finish: 8 Date barreled: 03-2016 Barrel age: 7 years, 5 months Serial no.: 004004310 Warehouse: BN-D

I'm reviewing a bottle that's been open for several years, likely purchased in 2020 or 2021. It pours amber. A quick sniff suggests it's serious. It's spicy, but undeniably bourbon. The nose has plenty of vanilla and wood, but a strong ethanol presence makes it feel like you're diving into something over 125 proof. Smelling it more carefully, the aroma is actually quite pleasant, with vanilla still being the main element. The flavor is also vanilla-forward, with touches of spice on the edges (though it's not a 'spicy' pour overall). There's sweetness alongside the vanilla. Some sweet cherry notes on the finish add a little depth to an otherwise straightforward drink. It's quite a bold pour and drinks hot for its proof, which isn't surprising after a proper nosing. It's an enjoyable drink that I liked early in my bourbon journey, but it lacks significant depth (which makes me eager to open the Baker's 13 I have waiting... another time!).

From warehouse CL-X, bottled at 107 proof, aged 8 years and 10 months. After a break from bourbon, I spontaneously bought this bottle. It's quite different from my usual drinks. Aroma: muted chocolate and caramel, some licorice, spice, oak, nutty notes with a touch of sweetness, and vanilla. Taste: the caramel-covered chocolate returns, with pecan and oak. Spice emerges surprisingly strongly near the finish. It initially tastes hotter than expected but mellows with drinking, and the spice becomes a highlight. Finish: concludes with the aforementioned spice, oak, and bitter chocolate. Overall, it's a satisfying bottle offering something a little unique. It's not overly complex but is good for what it is.

The aroma is dominated by vanilla and rye spice, softening to hints of cherry, caramel, and brown sugar. The spiciness suggests a higher proof than 107. The palate is spicy and immediately warming, coating the mouth with caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, white grapefruit, and apricot. The finish is long and flavorful, and each sip replenishes the palate with the bourbon's full taste profile. This is a complex and beautiful spirit. Well done by the distillery. Ratings: Nose: 3.75/5 Taste: 4.5/5 Overall: 4.25/5 Would I buy it again? Yes. Occasion: Casual evening drink/Special event

Nice legs. Mild aroma, with notes of fall spice and fruit. Just a hint of anise. The palate arrives with black pepper, peanuts, and a touch of woodiness in the background. Comes across a bit tannic, bitter. A trace of pure sugar flashes momentarily. The finish remains peppery and woody. This has never been a favorite of mine, but it performs well in Jim Beam blind tastings. Allowing it to sit with ice mellows it, but it's still not something I would choose to drink, only for tastings. I can't think of a cocktail this would suit well. This bottle will last a long time.

Baker's Single Barrel 107 Proof Bottled 01-24 Aged 8 years 8 months Served in a Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Appearance: Medium amber. Aroma: Caramel, toffee, some dark fruit. Taste: Sweet clove with a hint of cinnamon. Finish: Medium duration with medium heat. Added water: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7/10 - A solid drink neat and would likely hold up with ice. A slightly higher proof would improve the finish, but it's quite pleasant otherwise.