Few legacy bourbon producers are as prolific as Jim Beam, particularly when it comes to introducing new product SKUs to the market. Although some brands receive more attention than others, Jim Beam rarely misses an opportunity to fill shelves with bottles—even if temporarily. One of these brands seems poised to stick around, based on the last three years: Hardin’s Creek.

Introduced in 2022, Hardin’s Creek is meant to chart the Beam family legacy through a new generation of “boundary-pushing, premium American Whiskey inspired by the expertise of seven generations of Beam Master Distillers.” This showcasing will consider aspects such as age, blending, mash bills, distillation processes, barrels, rickhouse locations, and more. For context, the same year Jim Beam introduced Hardin’s Creek was also the year of Little Book Chapter 6, comprised of various malt whiskeys, most of which underwent unique smoking finishes.  

The first two Hardin’s Creek releases could be considered contrasting companions: one a blend of 16-year bourbon and 15-year high-rye bourbon, the other a 2-year whiskey, the latter sold for $80. Between the younger release and 2021’s Little Book (Chapter 5: The Invitation), it seemed Jim Beam really wanted people to believe 2-year whiskey was worth paying up for. But I digress. Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Well was bottled at 54% ABV and retailed for $150.

Nose: Tobacco, Brown Butter, Orange Cream, Toasted Sugars

Earthy, Approachable, Mellow

Palate: Caramel, Vanilla Custard, Burnt Marshmallow, Roasted Almond

Medium, Creamy, Balanced

Finish: Tobacco, Almond Torte, Vanilla Bean, Light Brown Sugar

Medium, Mildly Drying, Lightly Toasty

At this point, it should be of little surprise that a well-aged bourbon blend from Jim Beam earns high praises from the masses, including yours truly. Jim Beam historically does well at elevated ages, and this Hardin’s Creek release is yet another piece of evidence supporting that claim. I also believe the blend of high-rye and low-rye bourbons give this an ostensible edge, depending on the drinker. The translation is a bourbon with a fantastically balanced profile, one that feels tailor-made for Jim Beam’s most enthusiastic fans. Whether we’re talking about the richer, more developed nutty notes that the distillery is known for, or the mature tobacco and cream flavors, Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Well has few surprises in store for those seeking a high-quality bourbon release.

Yet this is also a recurring asterisk with Jim Beam’s LTOs as of late. While sipping this sample, the pervading sentiment was, “this is really well made, but not necessarily impressive.” When considering bourbons that simply (and effectively) achieve an all-encompassing, mature profile, Jacob’s Well isn’t far from consideration. However, if asked to list bourbons that stopped my always-wandering mind in its tracks, this falls frustratingly short despite having some of the necessary hallmarks. In classic Jim Beam fashion, Jacob’s Well pleases…just not far enough.