There
are currently over 75 brands of bourbon available
in the U.S. market, and I'll just bet you that won't be the
end of it any time soon. Of course, everyone should be familiar
with Jim Beam, one of the founding fathers and stalwarts of
the bourbon industry that started back in 1795. But you may
not be that familiar with Baker's Bourbon.
Not
to confuse the issue but Baker's Bourbon and Booker's Bourbon
are both part of the Jim Beam small batch family, along with
Basil Hayden's and Knob Creek. Baker's Bourbon is named after
Baker Beam, a grand nephew of Jim Beam. Baker's is aged for
7 years and weighs in at 107 proof, which should give it quite
a bit of flavor. And, I have to tell you that in this day
when age statements are disappearing off of bottles of all
kinds of spirits faster than the extinction of the dodo bird,
I am thrilled to find the age statement on this bottle.
The
outside of the bottle bears a big "B" and the word
Baker's and displays the deep amber liquid inside through
clear glass. The neck of this bottle is encased in black wax
that will keep you and a knife or razor busy for a half an
hour trying to open it if that built in flipper zipper fails.
WHEW, finally got that sucker open, so let's take it for a
taste drive.
The
nose is full of aromas of dark caramel, toffee, brown sugar
and just a hint of vanilla. The palate is a bit heavy handed,
thanks partially to the higher alcohol content. It is rich
and thick and spicy and oaky and layered with that dark caramel,
toffee and brown sugar. For me, it is a bit much straight
up so I poured in just a touch of branch water to see what
would happen. It still has some serious kick to it, but at
least now it's manageable, and I can enjoy the flavors quite
a bit more. With the water added, I can taste the oak and
burnt crème brulee and the toffee more clearly. The
finish is long and spicy and oaky and continues to exhibit
those traits of dark caramel and toffee, and dare I say, the
brown sugar has gotten a touch sweeter.
I
thought I'd never find myself saying this, but just maybe
this is a bit too much of a good thing. This bourbon is definitely
not for sissies or those with extremely sensitive palates
as there are enough layers of flavor and depth of flavor to
drive any palate over the edge. Even with a couple drops of
water it retains its outgoing personality. I like the spiciness
as it really works with a spirit so deep in flavor. I don't
mean this as a criticism. I actually mean it as a compliment,
as this is some serious, over the top bourbon. If you like
your bourbon bold and brass, this baby's for you.
Baker's
Bourbon can be found for around $45.99 per 750 ML
bottle and weighs in at 107 proof or 53% ABV and is 7 years
old.
By George Brozowski
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
http://www.bakersbourbon.com/