Emma Jones
Welcome Back, Old Friend: The Return of 13-Year-Old Baker’s Bourbon
Whisky enthusiasts, gather around! Got some fantastic news for you. Remember how crazy we all went for Jim Beam’s 13-year-old Baker’s Bourbon when it was first released? Well, brace yourselves, because the iconic bourbon brand has decided to bring it back for another round. Yes, we’re serious. It’s bourbon Christmas in July, friends!
The Baker’s Bourbon Backstory
For the uninitiated, Baker’s Bourbon, part of Jim Beam’s ‘Small Batch Bourbon Collection,’ is named after Baker Beam, grandnephew of the legendary Jim Beam. Baker’s Bourbon is known for its robustness and complexity, infused with fantastic flavors that have secured it a top spot among bourbon enthusiasts.
Key to its distinctive flavor profile was the 13-year-old age statement that indicated the number of years the liquor had been aged. But in the swirl of the bourbon boom and the craze for ‘limited-edition’, the 13-year-old Baker’s was discontinued a few years back, much to our chagrin.
Now, Jim Beam seems to have heard our collective cry of despair. They’re bringing back the beloved 13-year-old Baker’s Bourbon! Touted as a ‘Fan Favorite,’ this bourbon promises to deliver some of that classic Baker’s taste that we’ve all missed.
The Big Return: What to Expect
Just like the original, the re-released 13-year-old Baker’s Bourbon is crafted carefully, bottle by bottle, using a special strain of jug yeast that Jim Beam has perfected over generations. It’s bottled at 107 proof after thirteen long years of maturing, giving it a high degree of depth and intensity.
The magic of the 13-year-old Baker’s Bourbon is indeed in the aging process. The long aging period allows the bourbon to develop a deep amber color and renders it rich in flavor – giving it complex notes of fruit, vanilla, and oak.
Reports suggest that the bourbon has an elegant aroma with notes of caramel, fruit, and oak followed by an undeniably smooth, balanced palate with a warm finish. The combination of taste, feel, and heritage certainly ups the ante and rides high on expectations.
Why the Hype?
The return of the 13-year-old Baker’s Bourbon is a big deal! Firstly, it’s a nostalgic throwback to a bourbon that deeply resonated with fans. Secondly, its return signifies a reversal because many whiskey brands had pulled their age statements due to supply constraints.
Baker’s managed to revive the age statement culture while also crafting a bourbon that stands on its own merit. The bourbon’s reputation, its distinctive flavor profile, and of course, the nostalgia associated with it will probably inspire spirited debates, thoughtful sips, and satisfied smiles.
Wrapping Up
All in all, we’re thrilled about the return of the 13-year-old Baker’s Bourbon. It’s a win for all bourbon lovers – a chance to relive the old flavors or for new enthusiasts, to discover what all the fuss is about. So, let’s raise a toast to good times, great bourbon and to Jim Beam, for bringing back one of their finest! Cheers!
