This Baker’s is the original 7 year; the one that was part of the Small Batch series. Through the years, the Baker’s line has garnered significantly less attention than it’s Jim Beam Small Batch series counterparts. Now, it seems that the advent of Legent was not merely an addition to the line; it is to serve as Baker’s replacement. The switch to a single barrel seems to be a move to generate excitement around the product. Even so, the bourbon itself has always been of a high quality. It’s always been one of the highlights of the small batch series to me, in fact. This one is from from Batch No. B-90-001. Let’s get into it. Nose: Classic Beam peanut and rich caramel. Almond. Heavy dose of oak and barrel char. There’s also butterscotch, toffee, brown sugar, and cocoa. It’s a relatively sweet affair, but there is also a fresh orange citrus in there as well. Cola. Steak sauce (which I get in certain Booker’s batches.) And of course, the spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice. Great start. Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and leather. Peanut and cola are also present. Maple. Still heavily oaked, and very spicy. More cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, now with the additions of black pepper and ginger. A bit of barrel char that presents itself as a red meat note. The steak sauce is still here. A bit bitter, but not in a bad way. It’s just worth noting. Quality palate. Finish: Initially, there’s a note I can only describe as “floury.” After that, it’s a wave of brown: caramel, brown sugar, cocoa, and charred meat—with the steak sauce. Then the spices take over: cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, all adding up to what makes a for a long finish. The 107 proof that was relatively unnoticeable until now hits like a freight train. Don’t fix it if ain’t broken? That’s my opinion with this one. This was one has performed very-well as a small batch release for years. It’s still 7 years old, sour mash, 107 proof. Now Single Barrel instead of Small Batch. Now in some modern-art inspired bottle instead of the classic Booker’s style bottle I’ve come to know and love. I’ll try the new SB with an open mind. Given how good this one is, I’m excited for it. In terms of bang for buck, this way up there. $50 for an age-stated, high-octane, elite quality bourbon? I’m in. I’ll give it a 4.75. Don’t screw this one up, Beam. If anything, I’d have said to fix Basill Hayden’s, but I suppose it’s selling quite well, and a lot better than this one. Regardless, this one is a stalwart that somehow got lost in the mix. Apart from the single barrel status, this one remains largely untouched. Hopefully that’s how it stands, because this is phenomenal stuff.