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Baker's 13 is a limited edition Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from Jim Beam, part of their Small Batch Collection.
Baker's Bourbon was named by prior Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe after his cousin, Baker Beam, who grew up at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, worked there for 38 years, and became a distiller at Clermont in 1974. He's been described as a truck-driving, motorcycle-riding grandnephew of the legendary Jim Beam — unapologetically individual, like the bourbon named after him.
Baker's 13 is a limited edition bottling of special 13-year single barrel liquid, bottled at 107 proof. It uses the classic Jim Beam bourbon mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley.
Baker's Bourbon was introduced in 1992 as part of the Small Batch Collection. In 2019, it was rebranded as a single barrel bourbon with a 7-year age statement. The first limited release of Baker's 13 was also in 2019, and it has been released again in subsequent years as a limited edition available in select markets and at the distillery.
Deep mahogany with amber highlights. Viscous legs cling long to the glass, suggesting concentrated oak influence and higher proof.
Nose
Bold and assertive: caramelized brown sugar, toasted oak, and glazed pecans up front. Underneath are darker notes of cinnamon, clove, and a hint of charred orange peel. Subtle tobacco leaf and leather emerge with time, balanced by a whisper of vanilla custard.
Palate
Full-bodied and warming. Rich caramel and molasses lead, layered with roasted nuts and spiced baking notes—cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Dark fruit—fig and black cherry—adds depth alongside a robust oak backbone. Alcohol heat is present but integrated, giving lift without harshness.
Finish
Long, drying, and slightly tannic. Oak spice and toasted grain persist, tapering to a lingering interplay of caramel bitterness and tobacco. A final echo of candied orange rounds it out.
Style & Serving
A high-proof, cask-forward single-barrel bourbon built for sipping. Serve neat or with one large ice cube to open aromatics while keeping structure. Also stands up well with a splash of water or as the centerpiece in a spirit-forward cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
Who it’s For
Fans of bold, oak-driven bourbons who appreciate intense spice and rich sweetness without losing complexity. Ideal for those who enjoy slow sipping and exploring layered, barrel-aged flavors.
Overall
Baker’s 13 is a muscular, flavorful bourbon that delivers concentrated caramel and spice framed by prominent oak. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but for enthusiasts seeking depth, warmth, and a long, satisfying finish.
FiveStar Homestead Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Baker's 13 is a limited edition Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from Jim Beam, part of their Small Batch Collection.
Baker's Bourbon was named by prior Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe after his cousin, Baker Beam, who grew up at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, worked there for 38 years, and became a distiller at Clermont in 1974. He's been described as a truck-driving, motorcycle-riding grandnephew of the legendary Jim Beam — unapologetically individual, like the bourbon named after him.
Baker's 13 is a limited edition bottling of special 13-year single barrel liquid, bottled at 107 proof. It uses the classic Jim Beam bourbon mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley.
Baker's Bourbon was introduced in 1992 as part of the Small Batch Collection. In 2019, it was rebranded as a single barrel bourbon with a 7-year age statement. The first limited release of Baker's 13 was also in 2019, and it has been released again in subsequent years as a limited edition available in select markets and at the distillery.
Deep mahogany with amber highlights. Viscous legs cling long to the glass, suggesting concentrated oak influence and higher proof.
Nose
Bold and assertive: caramelized brown sugar, toasted oak, and glazed pecans up front. Underneath are darker notes of cinnamon, clove, and a hint of charred orange peel. Subtle tobacco leaf and leather emerge with time, balanced by a whisper of vanilla custard.
Palate
Full-bodied and warming. Rich caramel and molasses lead, layered with roasted nuts and spiced baking notes—cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Dark fruit—fig and black cherry—adds depth alongside a robust oak backbone. Alcohol heat is present but integrated, giving lift without harshness.
Finish
Long, drying, and slightly tannic. Oak spice and toasted grain persist, tapering to a lingering interplay of caramel bitterness and tobacco. A final echo of candied orange rounds it out.
Style & Serving
A high-proof, cask-forward single-barrel bourbon built for sipping. Serve neat or with one large ice cube to open aromatics while keeping structure. Also stands up well with a splash of water or as the centerpiece in a spirit-forward cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
Who it’s For
Fans of bold, oak-driven bourbons who appreciate intense spice and rich sweetness without losing complexity. Ideal for those who enjoy slow sipping and exploring layered, barrel-aged flavors.
Overall
Baker’s 13 is a muscular, flavorful bourbon that delivers concentrated caramel and spice framed by prominent oak. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but for enthusiasts seeking depth, warmth, and a long, satisfying finish.
FiveStar Homestead Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️