Baker’s 13 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 107 proof — a $129.99 expression that merits close attention.
Nose
Dark copper, the color of a penny. Its warm and rich wafting up from the glass. For some reason, it brings the color red into my mind as I inhale. I smell honey, brown sugar, soft leather, and a buttered dinner roll.
Palate
This is clearly a Kentucky bourbon, hitting all the notes regulars expect from American whiskeys heartland. I taste zucchini bread, caramel, fresh-tapped maple syrup straight from the tree, and maybe a hint of apple juice.
Finish
This is a smooth, happytime bourbon, with virtually no rough edges. It comes with a thick almost chewy mouthfeel, and a long-ish fish. The 13+ years in the barrel have given it both texture and a subtle complexity that is a lot of fun for someone who drinks a lot of bourbon. Its a nice whiskey, and Id be happy to add a few more bottles of it to my bar.
Verdict
Baker’s 13 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its $129.99 price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.
