Hardin's Creek Colonel James B. Beam Bourbon Whiskey
Hardin's Creek Colonel James B. Beam Bourbon Whiskey is a 54% ABV (108 proof), 750mL Kentucky straight bourbon aged 2 years in new charred American oak — the inaugural July 2022 release of Hardin's Creek, James B. Beam Distilling Co.'s ultra-limited series of one-and-done whiskey experiments. This release honors Colonel James B. Beam, who rebuilt the family distillery in 120 days after Prohibition ended and filled whiskey on the 121st day. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 54% (108 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 2 years in new charred American oak
- Origin: Fred B. Noe Distillery, Clermont, Kentucky
- Release: inaugural Hardin's Creek release, July 2022 (one-and-done)
- Scores: 93 Whisky Advocate (raided), 92 Whiskey Wash (raided), 90 The Daily Pour
The Colonel's Rebuild, Re-Created
Hardin's Creek is the creek in central Kentucky where the Beam family started distilling in 1795 — and the namesake series is 8th-generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe's laboratory of one-time releases. For this one, Freddie went back to his great-great-grandfather's day-121 whiskey: a low distillation proof and a longer fermentation to replicate the fuller-flavored bourbon the Colonel made right after Repeal, before the distillery was running at full strength. The result is a two-year-old that drinks far older — peanut brittle, candy corn and sweet cream on the nose per Breaking Bourbon; peppercorn, toasted oak and red licorice on the palate; a long, full finish. Browse more high-proof bourbon and the Hardin's Creek collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the Beam press release: robust vanilla and caramel on the nose; deep, complex vanilla, nuts and oak on the palate; a long, full finish. Whisky Advocate (93 raided score) found a green, malty palate with matcha powder and chocolate milkshake, and a peppery, coffee-laden finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn to catch the full 108 proof, or with a few drops of water to open the vanilla and nut notes. This is a collector's bottle with a drinker's personality — it deserves to be opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a 2-year bourbon $80?
Because it was never about age — it is a one-time historical recreation, an ultra-limited inaugural release from a series where every bottling is one-and-done.
Is it a limited release?
Yes — the July 2022 inaugural Hardin's Creek release; once it is gone, it is gone.
Who is Colonel James B. Beam?
The man who rebuilt the Beam distillery in 120 days after Prohibition and put whiskey back in barrels on day 121.
A history lesson you can drink — buy Hardin's Creek Colonel James B. Beam Bourbon online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.