Baker’s is beautiful.

Today is Baker Beam’s 81st birthday. The bourbon legend who’s worked for Jim Beam his entire life — along with his cousin Booker — is one of the men who should be credited for getting bourbon to where it is today.

In honor of his day, there will be Baker’s Birthday Bashes all through the city (and state) tonight, and at 7:36 p.m., you’re supposed to toast Baker with a glass of Baker’s. If you’re not familiar, Baker’s is one of Beam’s top-shelf offerings, and it’s definitely in my top 5 of bourbons, although it often flies under most people’s radars.

Luckily I’ve got a bottle of Baker’s cracked open at the house, so I’ll be toasting there tonight. I know parties are planned at Doc Crow’s, Jeff Ruby’s, Village Anchor and Westport Whiskey & Wine … and probably elsewhere.

If you do toast, be sure to use the hashtags #bakersbourbon, #bakers81barsalute and #bakersbirthdaybash, and you’ll be part of history.

Happy Birthday, Baker!