Hardin’s Creek Warehouse Series Release No. 2 The Beaver

A little background

Hardin’s Creek® Warehouse Series Release No. 2 “The Beaver” is a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon from the James B. Beam Distilling Co., bottled at 110 proof and aged 11 years. This release is part of the Warehouse Series, an exploration of how the unique environments of different rickhouses, varying in age, architecture, and microclimate, shape the identity of whiskey made from identical mashbills. The Beaver expression comes from Warehouse W, a five-story, nearly century-old rickhouse positioned in a humid, creekside location, and the bottle is adorned with symbolic artwork reflecting this connection.

Bourbon enthusiasts will find this collectible spirit offered at a suggested retail price of $149.99 for a 700ml bottle. Hardin’s Creek continues to celebrate both innovation and tradition, with each release shaped by nearly 230 years of Beam family whiskey-making expertise and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of American whiskey craft.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Mixed Nuts (peanut dominant), brown sugar, baking spice, and oak.

Palate

Caramel, mixed nuts (peanut dominant), vanilla, baking spice (cinnamon, clove, and black pepper), baking chocolate, stewed apples, and oak.

Finish

Apple tea w/ a cinnamon stick, vanilla, honey, aged leather, baking spice (cinnamon, clove, and black pepper), rye spice, and aged dry oak.

In closing

Hardin’s Creek Warehouse Series Release No. 2 “The Beaver” closes with a profile that feels both deeply familiar and impressively layered, leaning into the classic Beam nutty character while bringing a mature, oak-forward dimension. The combination of caramel, peanut-dominant mixed nuts, warm baking spice, and stewed fruit creates a rich and oily palate that transitions into a long and viscous finish filled with cinnamon apple tea, honey, seasoned leather, and firmly aged oak. Although the oakier edge may not appeal to everyone, the balance of sweetness, spice, and depth makes this the standout of the three releases and a whiskey that rewards slow sipping and closer exploration.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of James B. Beam Distilling Co.. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.