Baker’s 7 Single Barrel
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Jim Beam
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 107
Age: 7 years (Exact age stated on bottle)
Mashbill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Color: Honey
MSRP: $65 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Baker's 7, a single barrel bourbon with an MSRP of $65, presents a delightful blend of flavors that might surprise drinkers who are not so keen on the Jim Beam nutty profile. On the nose, you get an unsurprising amount of peanuts and oak, followed by dark butterscotch and caramel notes, adding a nice balance of sweetness.
Transitioning to the palate, oak takes center stage, accompanied by a gentle sweetness. Delving deeper, the palate presents a rich peanut butter note initially, then transitions to a drier peanut shell profile, accompanied by an artificial banana sweetness — which we know some may hate.
On the finish, the strong presence of Jim Beam peanut is there, accompanied by a mild alcohol bite. With additional sips, a subtle fruitiness, particularly a hint of orange, emerges. There is also the presence of some smokiness, and small amount of red fruits — notably apple — which creates a nice sweet finish.
Priced at $65, Baker's 7 stands as a testament to well-aged, full-bodied bourbon, offering a compelling alternative to higher-priced counterparts like Bookers while still delivering a memorable drinking experience.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
No real surprise that the primary note here is peanuts. However, it’s not dry like peanut shells, but instead rich like peanut butter.
It is pretty sweet which I like. I do get a little bit of banana but it is pretty subdued.
Really digging for additional notes I did pick up some subtle hints of red fruit.
THE TASTE:
This is where that rich peanut butter nose switches back to that dry peanut shell or uncracked peanut profile — which is an unfortunate change in my book.
The sweetness comes across as banana Runts, sort of that artificial banana flavor. I’m a fan, but I know a lot of people can’t stand that flavor.
I also get a sweet mesquite smoke, reminiscent of BBQ Pringles, along with a juicy mouth feel.
THE FINISH:
The smokiness continues to build from the palate, and the red fruits (apple) become more noticeable.
It does draw out for a fair amount of time, which is pleasant.
The peanut undertones are still here, but the oakiness starts to show up more prominently.
BUY OR PASS?
The flavors are punchy across the board! Some are going to enjoy those flavors more than others, and those familiar with Jim Beam products probably already have a good idea where they stand. However, it’s pretty clear that this bourbon is well aged and full bodied.
I was pleasantly surprised, as historically I’ve not been blown away with Jim Beam. Personally, I would much rather spend $65 on this than $100 on Bookers for a pretty similar overall experience.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Right from the start you get a strong amount of peanuts and oak. And I mean a ton of oak, especially for something that's just 7 years old.
It's got that classic Jim Beam vibe, no doubt. But if you give it a few minutes to develop, you’ll get some dark butterscotch, burned sugar, and caramel.
THE TASTE:
Oak is definitely coming through here, but not overpowering for those who dislike this flavor.
Then comes some general sweetness and to my surprise, almost no peanut — which I would have suspected to be pretty prominent based on the nose.
THE FINISH:
Here is where the strong Jim Beam peanut comes through, and sadly with a mild alcohol bite.
After a few sips I was able to find some fruitiness — specifically a hint of orange.
BUY OR PASS?
If the Jim Beam profile isn't your favorite, Bakers 7 might just change your mind. It takes that familiar profile and smooths out the edges, making it a more inviting sip.
Does it take you on the most complex journey of your life? Maybe not. But hey, sometimes a decent trip is all you’re looking for, right?
