Baker's 1985 (first release) 700ml

Experience a piece of bourbon history with this rare 1985 release of Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Aged seven years to perfection, this 107-proof classic offers a profound depth of flavor and a testament to the original Small Batch Collection's iconic quality.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet of caramelized sugar, dark dried fruits like fig and apricot, and a pronounced vanilla bean. Underlying notes of toasted oak, baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg), and a faint hint of leather and tobacco leaf emerge, signaling its age and maturation. A touch of nutty sweetness, almost like marzipan, rounds out the aromatic profile.

Palate: The entry is rich and viscous, immediately delivering a complex interplay of sweet and savory. A powerful burst of dark caramel and bittersweet chocolate is quickly followed by chewy toffee and glazed cherries. The seven years in wood are evident in the well-integrated oak tannins, which provide structure without harshness. Hints of pumpernickel rye, black pepper, and a subtle herbaceousness emerge mid-palate, adding depth. The 107 proof provides a warming embrace, amplifying the flavors without being overpowering, suggesting excellent barrel selection.

Finish: Long, luxurious, and satisfying. The finish lingers with echoes of dark fruit and sweet oak, evolving into notes of roasted coffee bean and a delightful lingering spice, particularly anise and black tea. A gentle warmth slowly fades, leaving a pleasant, almost chewy sensation on the tongue and the faint memory of toasted nuts and rich vanilla.

About the Distillery

Baker's is part of Beam Suntory's esteemed Small Batch Bourbon Collection, named after Baker Beam, a grandnephew of Jim Beam. This collection was meticulously curated in the late 1980s by Booker Noe to showcase the unique legacy and diverse flavor profiles within the Beam family's distilling tradition.