Baker's Bourbon, a well-known and respected bourbon, is indeed produced by Jim Beam, one of the most renowned distilleries in the world. The brand has been around for quite some time, and while I don't have an exact date, I can confirm that it has been available since at least the 1980s.
Jim Beam, a distillery with a long and rich history, is known for producing a wide range of bourbon whiskies. Baker's, in particular, falls under their small batch bourbon category. This means that it is crafted in limited quantities, allowing for more attention to detail and a focus on quality.
One of the standout features of Baker's Bourbon is its minimum age requirement of 7 years. This means that the bourbon has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 7 years before being bottled. This extended aging process allows the whiskey to develop complex flavors and character, resulting in a smooth and well-rounded bourbon.
As a sommelier and brewer, I've had the pleasure of tasting Baker's Bourbon on multiple occasions. It has always impressed me with its rich and full-bodied profile. The nose is filled with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, while the palate offers a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a warm and lingering sensation.
In terms of production, Jim Beam has a meticulous process in place to ensure the quality and consistency of their bourbons. The grains used in the production of Baker's Bourbon, like corn, rye, and malted barley, are carefully selected and milled to create a mash. This mash is then fermented using a specific strain of yeast, which contributes to the unique flavor profile of the bourbon.
Once fermentation is complete, the bourbon is distilled in copper stills to further refine the spirit. This distillation process helps to remove impurities and concentrate the flavors. After distillation, the bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels. These barrels are responsible for imparting the bourbon with its distinctive color, as well as adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
During the aging process, the bourbon undergoes a maturation journey, as it interacts with the wood and the environment. The temperature and humidity fluctuations in the aging warehouse impact the bourbon's flavor and character, contributing to its uniqueness. Jim Beam carefully monitors and selects barrels for bottling, ensuring that only the highest quality bourbon makes it to market under the Baker's brand.
To summarize, Baker's Bourbon is a small batch bourbon produced by Jim Beam, a renowned distillery with a long history in the industry. Its minimum age of 7 years and attention to detail in production result in a bourbon that is rich, flavorful, and well-rounded. As both a sommelier and a lover of bourbon, I can confidently say that Baker's Bourbon stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the distillers at Jim Beam.