A little background

Johannes Jacob Beam was the first to lay down the ground work for what is now known as Jim Beam. Setting up in the foothills of Western Kentucky in 1795 near a river known as Hardin’s Creek. The creek would be used to power the mill which in turn would grind the corn to create the earliest mashes for what is now a household name when talking about bourbon. For over 225 years the legacy of Jim Beam has been passed down from generation to generation with the Hardin’s Creek limited series commemorating the ever-evolving journey of American Whiskey. This is the first edition named Jacob’s Well which was built in 1795 with some remnants of the foundation still visible.

Manufacturer: Jim Beam / Beam Suntory
Mashbill: Undisclosed but a blend of regular mash and high rye
Location: Clermont, Kentucky Proof / ABV: 108 / 54%
Price: $150

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Leather

Nose

Tinge of rye spice, vanilla, oak, and baked bread with subtle sweet fruit

Palate

Vanilla and toffee upfront turning to clove and oak

Finish

Flash of sweet brown sugar with oak and char

In closing

The first edition of Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Well is an amazing expression from Jim Beam and is definitely a worthy tribute to the great Beam family. The nose in enticing with sweet vanilla and rye spice to tickle the nostrils giving way to subtle sweet fruit and baked bread. The palate is light and oily with vanilla coming right up front followed by toffee hints of clove and oak on the back palate. The finish brings back a flash of sweetness and fades with oak and char with just the right amount of heat as a lovely floral vanilla note begins to come back in between sips.

Hardin’s Creek: Jacob’s Well is definitely worth your hard earned dollar for many reasons especially as we move forward into the future of whiskey. It is becoming harder to find 15 year expressions that are still priced around $10 per year of age which Jim Beam has done with its Hardin’s Creek line. The total experience from nose to finish was enjoyable and showcases how amazing a great blend can be when done right. Lastly, coming in at 108 proof it has enough high proof to give off amazing potent flavors and yet not overpower the drinker with intense heat from a higher proof whiskey. I definitely would buy this again even with the high price tag and would most certainly recommend this bottle to all whiskey enthusiasts.