Whiskey Review of Baker's Bourbon - A Jim Beam Small Batch Collection

The Jim Beam Small Batch collection.  We all know it.  We all love it.  I was introduced to this Kentucky fixture as soon as I arrived to Lexington in the late 90s.  There is nothing better for a rookie in the whiskey drinking business than a sample pack of 4 bourbons from a world famous distiller in beautiful packaging!  

There is no need to say this but I am no longer a rookie.  Not only do I drink the brown water with friends, discuss tasting notes with my mom and dad but I also thoroughly enjoy writing about it.  All this “tasting” can sometimes take you away from the standards which enjoy a consistent flavor and a true following of bourbon lovers.  I like to take a step back from the newest-bottles-to-market on occasion and re-visit the classics and marvel at the consistency and beauty of how these whiskies are crafted.  

Today we discuss 25% of the Small Batch Collection – Baker’s.  Named after Baker Beam, the cousin of Booker – the brand’s Master Distiller.  Baker’s remains a standby in the industry while still sporting an age stamp of 7 years and rolling in at a perfect 107 proof.  The mashbill of Baker’s is 73% corn and 13% rye.  

Noted for it’s consistency, smooth & silky texture and full-bodied flavors, Baker’s tastes today as it always has.  On the nose you get strong notes of citrus accented by orange marmalade and lemon.  The aromas quickly lead to hearty flavors of ripe banana and warm buttered bread.  Drinking this bourbon is reminiscent of cracking into a crusty loaf of fresh baked bread straight from the oven. 

The palate develops herbal notes of cardamom and allspice.  As we tasted, we noted flavors of metal (we all taste something different) and a few comments on the smoothness but lacking of the rich flavor of a typical 7 year bourbon. 

Finally, the subtle sweetness of rye, blackberry and black cherry form on the back of the palate leading to a soft, almost mouth numbing finish thanks to the higher proof.  

As you can tell from this article, there are multitudes of flavors at every level of this whiskey- a true mark of a well-crafted spirit.  Each of us found different notes to consider.  This is certainly an easy daily drinker and worth a re-visit if you haven’t had the chance in some time.    

Average Price - $40 - 49.99

http://www.bakersbourbon.com/ 

https://www.beamsuntory.com/brands/bakers 

 

Tales from the Bottom Shelf - Review of Old Grand Dad 114

The title of this post, “Tales from the Bottom Shelf” may be perceived as a negative connotation.  Trust me when I say that this is only referring to the spot that the liquor stores choose to place this hidden gem of the bourbon world.  In an age where some enthusiasts are only seeking the latest limited edition offering from one of the big boys, there are missed opportunities for great tasting from these same distilleries.

One such offering is the classic 114 proof sipper from Jim Beam – Old Grand Dad.  Since this bottle spends its life on the bottom shelf of almost every liquor store, it doesn’t get too much attention.  My first introduction to this beauty was in a cocktail paired with a cinnamon syrup, ginger and soda.  A fine cocktail but once I realized how great this was on its own, I quickly changed my ways.

There is a ton of flavor packed into to OGD 114.  Much like its brethren, the more mature Basil Hayden, the lower proof 100 edition and the 86 (or 80 depending on how old the bottle is) it presents in a deep amber color with nose of orange among the classic caramel notes.   My favorite way to drink bourbon is to find the sweet spot around 108 proof.  At 57% ABV, This can be a bit spicy.  I suggest letting your dram breath for a few minutes, take a sip and add a small piece of ice to further soften.  

The palate brings more orange with hints of fresh pepper, cinnamon, herbal notes of sage and mint with a classic vanilla tone.  Though it does not offer an age stamp, OGD 114 drinks like 4-year-old bourbon.  The hints of oak and deep color validate this assumption.  

My favorite part of this $24 bourbon is the finish.  Long, rich, delicious without a hint of bitterness.  Even at this proof, it is dangerously smooth and easy to drink.  One warning - don’t enjoy it too much – it will make you swear off those 80 proof “watered down” bourbons! 

Where to find OGD - Any liquor store....

Price - $19 - $30.00