In the world of whiskey, the concept of terroir has long been a subject of debate among enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Some argue that the environment in which whiskey is aged has a profound impact on its flavor, while others remain skeptical. However, one thing is undeniable—whiskey aged in different locations will indeed yield distinct tasting profiles, shaped by the local climate and aging conditions. This principle lies at the heart of Jim Beam's Hardin's Creek Kentucky Series, which recently unveiled its third and final release.
The Hardin's Creek journey began in 2022 with the introduction of two exceptional bourbons: the youthful Colonel James B. Beam and the matured Jacob's Well. Subsequently, the Kentucky Series was revealed, consisting of two earlier iterations: Clermont and Frankfort. Similar to its predecessors, the latest addition, the Boston bourbon, draws its name from one of the production sites on the expansive James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus, nestled in Boston, Kentucky. Spearheaded by eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe, known for his creation of Little Book Whiskey, Hardin's Creek stands out for its commitment to consistency in distillation. The whiskey in each release was meticulously distilled from the same mash bill and aged for a remarkable 17 years, with the only variable being the location of aging. And the result? Discernible differences in flavor.
The James B. Beam Distilling Co.'s Boston campus, often referred to as the Booker Noe campus in honor of the legendary Beam master distiller (Freddie's grandfather and Fred Noe's father), boasts a unique environment. Here, the rickhouses bask in abundant sunlight, leading to what can only be described as "fast, richer aging" and the creation of a "bold and characterful liquid," according to the brand.
Freddie Noe, echoing his grandfather's sentiments, remarked, "The Boston campus creates a flavor profile my granddaddy Booker Noe looked for and talked about. I think he would have loved this."
With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 55%, the bourbon, known as Boston, exhibits a rich, dark brown hue, inviting the senses with enticing notes of oak, vanilla, and cherry on the nose. The palate unfolds an intriguing interplay of oakiness and nuttiness, accompanied by hints of dark chocolate, espresso, candied orange, yellow cake, prune, and burnt brown sugar. The finish delivers a warm and spicy embrace, cementing Boston's status as a sensational finale to the Hardin's Creek series.
As of now, tracking down all three of the Hardin's Creek Kentucky Series bourbons may require some effort, but their suggested retail price of $169.99 makes them an attractive proposition for whiskey aficionados. Websites like ReserveBar can be a valuable resource for locating the first two releases, while the new Boston expression is poised to take center stage.
For those fortunate enough to secure bottles of all three bourbons, embarking on a side-by-side tasting adventure is highly recommended. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the intriguing concept of warehouse terroir and witness firsthand the transformative power of Kentucky's diverse aging environments.
In sum, Hardin's Creek Boston stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication of the James B. Beam Distilling Co., delivering a truly exceptional bourbon experience that embodies the essence of Kentucky terroir. With each sip, whiskey enthusiasts can savor the culmination of 17 years of patient aging, craftsmanship, and the distinct influence of Boston's radiant environment.
For real-time updates and further information about Hardin's Creek, be sure to follow @HardinsCreek on Instagram or visit www.hardinscreek.com.
In the world of fine bourbon, Hardin's Creek Boston is a shining example of how terroir can shape a spirit, resulting in a masterpiece that pays homage to tradition while pushing the boundaries of flavor exploration. Whether savored neat or over a large ice cube in a lowball glass, the complex and captivating flavors of this bourbon are sure to leave a lasting impression on the palate.
Tasting Notes for Hardin's Creek Boston:
Color: Rich amber with darker tones
Nose: Toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate, and slight coconut
Palate: Soft caramel and vanilla with oak tones, faded hazelnut
Finish: Sweet baking spices
Experience the essence of Kentucky terroir with Hardin's Creek Boston—a whiskey that tells a story through every sip, a testament to the harmony between nature and craftsmanship.
About Hardin's Creek
Hardin's Creek is a series of unique and rare, limited-edition whiskeys introduced by the James B. Beam Distilling Company. It is a next-generation, premium American whiskey inspired by the expertise of seven generations of the Beam family. The brand explores the depth and breadth of whiskey-making, incorporating various elements such as age, blending, mash bill, distillation, barrels, and rackhouse.
One of the notable releases from Hardin's Creek is the "Frankfort" edition, a 17-year-old bourbon aged at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.'s Frankfort campus in Kentucky. This expression showcases the brand's commitment to producing high-quality, well-aged whiskeys.
Another release, the Hardin's Creek: Colonel James B. Beam aims to challenge the notion that a bourbon's age is synonymous with its taste. This particular whiskey demonstrates the brand's focus on flavor and craftsmanship, rather than simply relying on maturation time.
The brand also embarked on an ambitious experiment in Kentucky terroir with its Kentucky Series: Clermont bourbon. This expression offers a surprising level of sweetness, showcasing the brand's ability to create unique flavor profiles.
In terms of mash bill, the Hardin's Creek whiskeys are a blend of high-corn and high-rye, resulting in a balanced and complex flavor profile This combination of grains adds depth and character to the brand's offerings, further highlighting its commitment to quality and innovation.
About James B. Beam Distilling Company
The James B. Beam Distilling Company, commonly known as Jim Beam, is one of the most iconic and well-established names in the world of American whiskey. Founded in 1795 by Jacob Beam in Clermont, Kentucky, it has a rich history spanning over two centuries. The company's heritage is deeply rooted in traditional bourbon production, making it a cornerstone of Kentucky's bourbon heritage.
Jim Beam is renowned for its commitment to producing bourbon whiskey with a consistent and distinct flavor profile. The brand's flagship product, Jim Beam Original, is made from a mash bill primarily consisting of corn, along with rye and malted barley. It is aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years, meeting the legal requirements for being classified as straight bourbon.
The distillery has remained in the Beam family for several generations, with James B. Beam, commonly known as "Jim Beam," taking over in the early 20th century. Under his leadership, the brand continued to grow and gain prominence in the American whiskey industry. Today, it is one of the best-selling bourbon brands globally.
Jim Beam is also known for its innovation within the bourbon industry. They have produced a range of different expressions, including small-batch bourbons like Booker's and Knob Creek, which offer unique flavor profiles and higher proof levels. Additionally, they have experimented with various finishes and limited-edition releases to cater to the evolving tastes of whiskey enthusiasts.
The company's commitment to quality extends to its dedication to preserving traditional bourbon-making techniques. The use of limestone-filtered water from the region and the expertise of its master distillers have been key in maintaining the consistency and quality that whiskey lovers associate with the Jim Beam name.
In 2014, Jim Beam became part of Beam Suntory, a global spirits company that continues to uphold the traditions and legacy of the James B. Beam Distilling Company. While the brand has expanded its reach internationally, it remains deeply connected to its Kentucky roots and the heritage of American bourbon, making it a symbol of enduring excellence in the world of whiskey.
