Baker's Single Barrel Bourbon 13 Year

So I normally rate everything from the nose on down and then average my results for a composite. Not going to do that with this one because this bottle is not the sum of its parts, but rather a bigger picture. Let me break it down- Wonderfully vibrant nose. Oaky, butterscotchy, ethanol. It smells like I remember Jim Beam's rickhouses when I did the distillery tour in June. It is wonderful when a bourbon elicits a good memory rather than just the mental files of what it "tastes like." To me that is when a whiskey moves from really good to really special. The palate is so balanced. The spices, the caramels, the vanilla are in near perfect harmony. Not one outshines the other. I worried that this one might be too spicy, or too oaky, but it seems that 13 years in a barrel is just the right time. The 107 proof is not too heavy and not too light-- like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears it seems "just right." The finish gives you a warm hug. Not the bear hug of a high proof bookers, and not the "thanks for coming, see you later" hug of a whiskey at or below 100 proof. I call it a "grandma hug"- warm and welcoming. This is a great bourbon, period, simple. One part does not outshine the other. To give perspective we shared this at tasting table with a 2016 Vanwinkle Estate 12 yr, 2019 GTS (was may favorite but this was super close), Parker's Heritage Char Rye (just to spice things up a bit- reviews on that later, took my top spot for favorite rye of 2019!), and this year's OF Birthday. That's big company, that is an awesome lineup! The seven of us consistantly had Baker's 13 in our top 3. I have no problem with this as a premium. It far outkicks its coverage!

Came back to the Bakers twice, as the1st time I had a Thomas H Handy 1st so the pour was muted. Def a good pour 4.25/ 5 Caramel Brown Sugar Vanilla Enough proof but not too much. I only drink neat & never add water to anything from 140+ proof on down. In today's environment ratings are more complicated if cost is factored in. So my rating is based on paying $100 - $120. As the price goes up rating goes to a 4. The bottle is very cool looking - I did not add anything in for the appearance but will look cool in any home bar

Very well balanced and full flavored whiskey. Lots of caramel, oak, and brown sugar that lingers and lingers. Coats the tongue and just sits with you for a bit. Definitely worth trying and buying if you see one.

Nose: smooth nose caramel with a soft spice Palate: flavor bomb!! Wow huge caramel notes along with some oak. Kentucky hug but so smooth going down. Beam funk is there Finish: subtle oak and rich caramel sticking to the tongue