Baker’s Bourbon made a big shift in 2019, becoming a single barrel offering available as a 7 year old or a (very rare) 13 year old. Today we are checking out a very limited release that falls in between, dubbed Baker’s Exclusive Selection, bottled at the age of 11 years, 8 months. Like both of the entries in the permanent collection, it’s bottled at 107 proof.

This release has much of the trademark fruit of the Baker’s line, though the normally effusive cherry is somewhat muted on the nose. It’s more of a lemony citrus, followed by toasted nuts and a modest barrel char element, that dominates the aromatics. The palate is surprisingly beefy considering how expressive and bright Baker’s tends to be, quite oaky and brooding with lots of wood and a heavy tannic character. The finish is tight and tough, peppery and studded with cardamom notes, and wholly missing the shiny sweetness that I always associate with the brand.

It’s so divergent that I had to sample Baker’s 7 Year Old again side by side just to make sure I wasn’t going crazy. Aside from a similar level of spice, the new bottling was virtually unrecognizable as a sibling. Curious.

107 proof.

B / $100 / bakersbourbon.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

Baker's Bourbon Exclusive Selection 2021

$100

8

Rating

8.0/10

BUY IT NOW

About Post Author

Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

See author's posts

Related Stories:

Review: Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon 7 Years Old and 13 Years Old (2019) Review: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2021 Edition Review: Blood Oath Bourbon Whiskey Pact 7 2021 Bourbon Battle: Booker’s vs. Baker’s (2012)