Beam Launches Second Whiskey In Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series

by Gary Carter
September 14, 2023

Now that Jim Beam launched its Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, it was unveiled last month that it was time for their second installment, called Hardin’s Creek Frankfort.

This series by Beam is centered around the “Kentucky terroir,” and features three bourbons aged 17 years and having the same mash bill. The varying factor is the location where each bourbon aged.

The three limited-edition bourbon releases in the series are Hardin’s Creek Clermont (earlier this summer), Hardin’s Creek Frankfort, and coming soon, Hardin’s Creek Boston.

Hardin's Creek Frankfort Bourbon — Now that Jim Beam launched its Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, it was unveiled last month that it was time for their second installment, called Hardin’s Creek Frankfort. (image via Jim Beam)

For this release, Hardin’s Creek Frankfort is a 17-year-old bourbon that’s been aged at Beam’s Frankfort campus in Kentucky. A prepared statement from Beam explained that a creek bed at the Frankfort campus adds more humidity to that area, which slows aging. In this way, the terroir of Frankfort affects the bourbon uniquely.

“These liquids are composed of the same mash bill, and aged for the same amount of time, but resulted in a different tasting profile,” said Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller, in the prepared statement.

“It’s a real testament to how microclimates and diverse landscapes can impart major differences on the flavor profile of each whiskey. The humidity and airflow in our Frankfort campus influence the evaporation and oxidation processes, making a slower reaction to the color and flavor.”

The distiller’s notes show that this bourbon has a deep burnished amber color, and on the nose, features aromas of oak wood with hints of campfire and cigar box. On the palate, it tastes of sweet caramel and raisin with gentle floral tobacco. It finishes with sweet oak and aged wood tones.

The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, Frankfort clocks in at 55% ABV and has a suggested retail price of $169.99. It was aged on the Frankfort campus and bottled at exactly 17 years (204 months).