It’s unicorn launch time — once more — as Beam (formally the James B. Beam Distilling Firm) launches Hardin’s Creek, a model that may supply “distinctive and uncommon, limited-edition whiskeys rooted within the Beam household legacy. These new whiskeys have been crafted by Freddie Noe, not too long ago introduced as grasp distiller of the brand new Fred B. Noe Distillery, the small distilling operation on Beam’s Clermont campus that opened final yr.
What’s the gist with these whiskeys?
Hardin’s Creek is the subsequent technology of boundary-pushing, premium American Whiskey impressed by the experience of seven generations of Beam Grasp Distillers. Hardin’s Creek is an ongoing sequence of annual releases, that includes a few of James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s rarest and most unusual liquids and grounded within the wealthy expertise and distilling experience of James B. Beam Distilling Co. Every set of releases will showcase the breadth and depth of the James B. Beam Distilling Co’s whiskey-making credentials inclusive of age, mixing, mash invoice, distillation, barrels, rackhouse places, and extra. This yr’s inaugural Hardin’s Creek sequence will launch with two expressions: Jacob’s Effectively Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a considerate mix of two ultra-aged bourbons, and Colonel James B. Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a rigorously crafted younger whiskey.
“We couldn’t be extra excited to launch Hardin’s Creek, significantly after the refresh of the James B. Beam Distillery and the opening of the Fred B. Noe Distillery. This has been a very long time within the making, and I can’t wait to share it with the world,” stated Freddie Noe, the newly appointed Grasp Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery. “Each element, from the mixing methods to the labels, attracts inspiration from centuries of our household’s historical past, paying homage to our heritage whereas wanting in the direction of our future.”
With that prologue, we’re able to dip into each releases. Right here we go.
Each are 108 proof.
Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Effectively Bourbon – “A considerate mix of two ultra-aged expressions: one 16-year-old conventional bourbon and one 15-year-old high-rye bourbon blended to realize a depth of taste in contrast to another in Beam historical past.” I’ll be easy on this and say this is without doubt one of the finest bourbons I’ve had in years, interval. The nostril is immediately participating, a stable slug of oak paired with notes of toasted coconut, licorice, and vanilla. It’s intense however not over-oaked or off-putting, coming throughout as inviting as an enormous leather-based chair. On the palate a burst of fruit begins issues off — blackberry and a little bit cherry — earlier than numerous oak and leather-based come again into the combination. The fruit and savory notes steadiness nearly completely with each other, a light-weight layer of spice including connecting tissue for the expertise. Cinnamon, cloves, and baked apples all linger because the end builds — and it’s a very long time coming. 54% abv feels nearly excellent for this whiskey, which is warming however by no means sizzling, comforting but intense with taste. Sizzling chocolate hangs on to the end ceaselessly. I couldn’t put this whiskey down, and I didn’t need to. Common readers know I don’t give out A+ scores like sweet. Purchase all you’ll be able to proper now earlier than the value skyrockets. A+ / $150
Hardin’s Creek Colonel James B. Beam Bourbon – “This limited-edition, two-year-old whiskey achieves a depth of taste often reserved for extra mature bourbons by taking it off the nonetheless at a decrease distillation proof, imparting extra taste from the fermentation course of and letting the barrel’s traits shine by way of at a youthful age.” Can a two yr outdated bourbon actually measure as much as the luxe aspirations of this model? Effectively, if nothing else, this can be a big step again, although it’s not dangerous for what it’s. Particularly should you like peanuts. Highly effective peanut shell notes on each nostril and palate, paired with vanilla-dusted oak, pave a really conventional and considerably boring street, with a touch of caramel and recent lumberyard components all within the combine. There are hints of crimson pepper on the end, however in any other case it wears every thing on its sleeve. Nothing offensive about it, however I can’t see a path to paying $80 for a bottle. B- / $80
Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Effectively Bourbon
$150
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