Barrel char | Burnt toast | Rich caramel | Dark raspberry

Vanilla | Toasted mixed nuts | Mature oak | Pomegranate molasses

Barrel char | Stone fruit | Baking chocolate | Roasted coffee bean | Slightly dry | Thick mouthfeel | Long

It's been 4 years since Baker’s underwent their rebranding, at which time they also introduced a limited edition 13 year old bourbon to their line. As expected, it took the brand’s quintessential bourbon flavor and added a layer of complexity thanks to the increased time spent in the barrels. Baker’s seems to showcase its age more prominently than Knob Creek 12 Year does, and its 107 proof also comes across as hotter than others in a similar proofpoint. This helps to amplify the bourbon’s pronounced barrel char notes as oak is found throughout its sip. Though it's what’s in between these oak peeks that helps make this a satisfying pour. It's the bourbon’s controlled fruit notes - especially its pomegranate molasses note - that elevates this whiskey. Though not transformative, the fruit notes are nicely tempered and help keep the assertiveness of the heavy oak note from getting too unwieldy. At a $70ish premium over the standard Baker’s Bourbon 7 Year Single Barrel and Knob Creek 12 Year, not all will agree if it offers enough additional value for the price, but it remains a satisfying pour nevertheless.