So, Who here likes Baker's?

[pete_d]

Only ever tried it once, and that was out at a pub. Loved it then but then I had already downed a few and I think my tastebuds were a little weary.
It's quite a bit to spend on a bourbon, and I'd like to think my memory of the taste doesn't hype the product up too much. Basically I'm looking for a sweet bourbon, that's great for after-dinner special occasions. I'm tossing up between Baker's and Knob Creek, but leaning heavily toward the Baker's.

Any insights?

[Hedmans Brorsa]

I personally prefer Baker´s but then, I´ve always had a soft spot for individuality and originality. Baker´s, to me, stand out a little more, especially its peanut butter mixed with fulminating powder nose.

On the other hand, if you´re looking for a sweet, after-dinner bourbon then I would recommend Knob Creek. Not that I would say no to an after-dinner Baker´s but, in my view, KC is better suited for those occasions.

[pete_d]

Thanks for the info. I've seen you fight the good fight for Baker's in previous posts.
May I ask how close you think is sits in relation to Beam Black. when I tried it, it seemed like a stronger, more 'cocoa' and sweet version of JB Black.

The KC on the other hand seemed more fruity/spicy, and with my modest collection of EC12, EC18, WR, and RB, I just have a feeling it's too close to what Ive got. Anyone feel free to dissuade me on my belief...

In the alternative, could someone confirm or deny my desperate belief that the Baker's I tasted was like a higher proof EWSB? (One of my all-time fave 'sweet' bourbons)

[Hedmans Brorsa]

Somewhat shame-faced I have to admit that several years have passed since I last tasted JB black so I´m afraid that I have to pass on that question to some one who is more updated than me.

The last one I had, maybe 2001, I remember as quite agressive. Both spicy and with lots of liquorice but if you read recent postings on this forum you will see that many trustworthy contributors describe it as extremely fruity. If I understand it right this is a brand that has undergone many changes over the years.

[cowdery]

Of the Beam products and their similarities to each other, I would match Black Label with Booker's and White Label with Baker's. I have written before that Baker's is what White Label tastes like when it grows up. My main reason for saying that is that Baker's expresses the distinctive Beam yeast flavor that is the best thing about White Label.

I don't buy Baker's often by the bottle because there is always something I like just as well available for less money. However, I have a drinking buddy who likes it and when we hook up for a drink, that's what we always have, so I drink it pretty regularly. I think it's a very good whiskey, but a tad overpriced.

As for maximizing sweetness, I think you want to get away from the Beams altogether and get a wheater. That's where you get maximum sweetness. I'd recommend Weller 12, Old Fitz BIB or Very Special, or even Maker's Mark. Perhaps one of the younger Van Winkles. (The older ones are still sweet, but the barrel flavors start to predominate and I think for an after-dinner drink you may want something cleaner.) If you can find the Old Fitz BIB (green label), that might well be exactly what you are looking for. When I think candy sweet, that's the one that comes to mind.

If you're determined to choose between Baker's and Knob Creek, I vote for Knob Creek.

[wrbriggs]

Of the limited number of bourbons I have tried, Eagle Rare Single Barrel is by far the sweetest. I would say that it is quite appropriate as an after-dinner drink. I've dried Baker's a few times, and have always been somewhat underwhelmed. It's a good whiskey, but it goes for $35 where I live. For $2 more, I can get Blanton's. Or I can get 2 bottles of Eagle Rare Single Barrel or Elijah Craig 12 year old.

My opinion on Baker's is that it's a good whiskey, but the value just isn't there.

[camduncan]

As for maximizing sweetness, I think you want to get away from the Beams altogether and get a wheater. That's where you get maximum sweetness. I'd recommend Weller 12, Old Fitz BIB or Very Special, or even Maker's Mark. Perhaps one of the younger Van Winkles. (The older ones are still sweet, but the barrel flavors start to predominate and I think for an after-dinner drink you may want something cleaner.) If you can find the Old Fitz BIB (green label), that might well be exactly what you are looking for. When I think candy sweet, that's the one that comes to mind.

Pete_d, you might have trouble finding many of Chucks' recomendations here in Australia unless you are prepared to import them...with the exception of Makers Mark.

In my (very limited) bourbon experience, I find Bulleit and Evan Williams 93 Single Barrel to be fairly sweet, and both are available Downunder. Of course, I quite like the odd Basil Hayden too, so my taste may be diffent to many others here on the list.

I totally agree with Chuck re the younger Van Winkles - My Dad & I opened my bottle of 10yo to try yesterday and it was a beautiful bourbon (in my opinion)

[pete_d]

I dont' think I'm ready to import anything yet. When I do, I was thinking:

Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare 101
Ezra Brooks 15
WL Weller 12
Elmer T Lee

However I'm really not a fan of Maker's Mark. Which is odd, since I used to adore it with Coke back in my drinking dark ages. I actually added a touch of port to the rest of my Maker's to give myself a JB Small Batch vibe.

I understand that Baker's isn't good value when placed beside the excellent expressions from the BT distillery, however all of these bottles are blocked from purchasing down here, so it reduces the field somewhat. I might trawl for the little small batch sampling collection, or try em at a higher-class pub, see If i remember the Baker's as fondly, or see if I like the KC more than i did last time.

I must admit, Chuck's comment about JB White does tend to make me think twice. And all respect to Chuck, because he's probably right.

[TNbourbon]

I dont' think I'm ready to import anything yet. When I do, I was thinking:

Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare 101
Ezra Brooks 15
WL Weller 12
Elmer T Lee

Some great choices, including a wheater (Weller 12). I'll note, however, that the Ezra B Single-Barrel 15yo is no longer made -- at least, for domestic U.S. consumption -- so you might want to either double-check before seeking it, or order quick. It has been, however, replaced by 12yo version.

[TNbourbon]

I find Bulleit...to be fairly sweet, and both are available Downunder. Of course, I quite like the odd Basil Hayden too...

An interesting take on 'sweet': The Bulleit and Basil Hayden's are very-heavily 'ryed' bourbons. Most of us think 'wheater' when we think sweet. But, I can see your take, Cam -- rye has a spicy sweetness vis-a-vis wheat somewhat akin, say, to the relationship between a Gewurtztraminer (spicy sweet) and a late-harvest Riesling (sugary sweet).