Description
Hardin’s Creek Colonel James B. Beam is a two-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. It was one of the first releases in the Hardin’s Creek series, which arrived in July 2022. Freddie Noe made it at the Fred B. Noe Distillery. The whiskey honors Colonel James B. Beam. He got the family distillery running again just 120 days after Prohibition ended. This bourbon follows the style he made on day 121.
The secret is how it comes off the still. It is distilled to a lower proof than usual. That keeps more flavor from the fermentation in the spirit. The barrel can then show through after only two years. It is bottled at 108 proof. The series takes its name from the creek Jacob Beam used for water when he settled in Kentucky in 1795.
Your first sniff brings robust vanilla and caramel. On the palate, deep vanilla meets roasted nuts and oak. It tastes far older than its age. The finish is long and full. A large ice cube lets the flavors open slowly.
Critics took notice. Whisky Advocate gave it 93 points.
Try it with smoked meats, charcuterie or a slice of rich chocolate cake. It also makes a bold Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. This is a great pick for who like limited releases and a good story behind the bottle.
