Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series: Clermont
Hardin’s Creek is a new limited edition concept originally launched in 2022 by Beam Suntory. The first release consisted of 2 year old and 15 year, 4 month old bourbons, aptly named Hardin’s Creek: Colonel James B. Beam and Hardin’s Creek: Jacob’s Well, respectively. The brand follows up last year’s release with an ambitious three part release named the Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, which will be highlighting Kentucky terroir. The company states in their press release that “each expression within The Kentucky Series is a 17-year-old Bourbon, aged at one of three James B. Beam Distilling Company [Kentucky] campuses: Clermont, Frankfort, and Boston. All three liquids were laid down with the same mash bill at the same time seventeen years ago but aged at different campus locations.”
The company’s Clermont location is best known to bourbon fans as being the main Jim Beam visitor center. This location has lots of trees and valleys which provide more shade. The barrels used in the Hardin’s Creek Clermont release were aged in Warehouse E, which is located at the center of the campus.
NOSE
The bourbon opens on warm notes reminiscent of the fall season. Toasted marshmallows, hints of roasted nuts, and light cinnamon sticks immediately rush forward. Exploring deeper reveals subtle yet defined scents of vanilla bean and caramel. Adding intrigue is a dash of rye spice along with mellow oak which helps to add balance. The bourbon’s proof helps pull out the aromas without going overboard and provides for a really great opening that showcases classic bourbon notes without coming across as over-oaked.
PALATE
The sweetness found in the nose carries over to the palate, however, the bourbon’s age plays a notable role now. A pop of spiced caramel and brown sugar appears which is immediately met with a slightly tannic aged oak note. Noticeable rye spice appears which highlights the bourbon’s proof. Exploring further brings out tepid notes of lightly buttered popcorn, tobacco leaf, dried raisins, and leather. While Hardin’s Creek Clermont is clearly pushing its limits of how much longer it could have stayed in the barrel, the overall combination still works well. It’s not quite up to the same level that
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Release Date: June 2023
Proof: 110
Age: 17 Years
Mashbill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Color: Dark Chestnut
MSRP: $170 (2023)
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Written by Emma Jones
“Milam & Greene Launches 4th Wildlife Collection Bourbon”
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The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series sounds like a unique and exciting concept from Beam Suntory. The different releases and focus on Kentucky terroir adds an interesting element to their bourbons. I can’t wait to try them and see how they differ from each other.
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The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series seems like an exciting new concept from Beam Suntory, showcasing the variety and quality of Kentucky terroir. It will be interesting to see how each release in the series differs and how they capture the essence of the region. Can’t wait to try them all!
The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series is drawing on Kentucky’s rich bourbon history to create a unique and limited edition collection. The use of different ages and terroir shows a dedication to honoring the tradition of Kentucky bourbon making. It will be exciting to see how this series develops and what it brings to the bourbon world.
Series”>Hardin’s CreekTM Announces The Kentucky Seriescomment
I am intrigued by this limited edition concept of Hardin’s Creek by Beam Suntory. It’s interesting to see how they are highlighting the Kentucky terroir in their Kentucky Series releases. I’m excited to try them and see how they compare to last year’s releases.