Olivia Taylor
Jim Beam’s Clermont Steep American Single Malt Whiskey Review
Jim Beam is the latest Kentucky distillery to join the party of American single malt with the release of their Clermont Steep line. The provided press release informs us that this five-year-old liquid was distilled and aged in Clermont, Kentucky and matured in bespoke barrels to deliver a warm toffee sweetness on the palate.
Nose
An intriguing yet inviting bouquet of scents opens up the sip. Immediately, a roasted malted barley base props up faint burnt caramel, toasted oats, hints of fresh coffee beans, dried tobacco leaf, and dry baking chocolate. Inhaling deeper pulls out a Cotton Candy grape scent which blends in very well, providing an intriguing hint of fruity sweetness.
Palate
The palate further expands on the nose’s earthy and sweet side, but also adds in a welcomed dash of spice. Immediately noticeable is an earthy combination of fresh nuts, malted barley, dried tobacco leaf, charred oak, and light toffee and caramel. Pushing against these earthy notes are dashes of honey, and light brown sugar with freshly pressed sugar cane. A noticeable dash of white peppercorn spice adds a light spice element that helps provide a unique dimension to the sip.
Finish
The spice note from the palate bursts forward in the form of green peppercorn spice. Following is a mixture of lightly charred oak, malted barley, a hint of vanilla bean, and caramel. A quick dash of sugarcane sweetness pops in before quickly receding, leaving behind a malty, lightly spiced mix in its wake. These two flavor notes dance around each other for an extended period of time.
Uniqueness
The American single malt category has really come into its own over the last several years and now with Clermont Steep more established distilleries are joining the mix. It’s interesting combination of scents along with its malt-driven flavors that provide a strong supporting base with its sweeter notes provide a nice change of pace from your more classic American single malt. Clermont Steep may not win any awards, but it delivers a really well-rounded sip that’s unique in its own right.
Value
Clermont Steep is priced fairly among many other American single malts in the marketplace. This is both in price, with a reasonable $60 price tag being in line if not a few dollars cheaper than a vast majority of readily accessible American single malt whiskeys, but also in flavor profile. For the price, Clermont affords the consumer an easy sipping malt that will be appreciated.
Overall
Jim Beam comes out swinging with Clermont Steep, the company’s first mass-produced American single malt. For many, Clermont Steep very well could be a whiskey drinker’s first foray into American single malts and therefore it’s a great “bridge whiskey” into the world of American single malts for those individuals who are used to drinking only bourbons or ryes. Clermont Steep may not elicit repeat buyers but it is a great whiskey to start with.
Classification: American Single Malt
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Release Date: June 2023 (Ongoing)
Proof: 94
Age: 5 Years
Mashbill: 80% Standard Malted Barley, 20% Golden Pilsner Malted Barley
Color: Bright Bronze
MSRP: $60 (2023)
This review of Jim Beam’s Clermont Steep American Single Malt Whiskey provides detailed insights into its aroma, taste, and finish. It is described as having a warm toffee sweetness and a unique combination of earthy and spicy notes. This review is helpful for those considering trying this new addition to the American single malt scene.
Ne provides a short burst of sweetness as the sip lingers.
I have not personally tasted this whiskey, but based on this review, it sounds like a well-rounded and balanced single malt. The unique flavors and scents mentioned in the nose, palate, and finish make it a tempting choice for any whiskey aficionado. I would be interested to try it for myself and see if it lives up to the description.