The three whiskeys in the Hardin's Creek Kentucky Series, released earlier this year, are now available in three-packs of 200-ml. bottles.
Earlier this year, James B. Beam Distilling Co. released the three-part Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, aiming to shine a spotlight on precisely how microclimates impact a whiskey’s flavor profile. The three bourbons are essentially identical in makeup—all 17 years old, bottled at 55% ABV, and produced at the same location and from the same mashbill. The difference lies in where they were aged, each at different Beam warehouse sites across Kentucky—Frankfurt, Clermont, and Boston. Those three sites have their own landscapes and climates: Frankfort has higher humidity, Clermont has cooler winds and rolling hills, and Boston gets more direct sunlight on the warehouses.
These three bourbons, each named for their warehouse site, have been sold as standalone expressions. The fun part should be in comparing them side by side, but because each expression was limited and had a different release date, that hasn’t been the simplest of tasks—until now.
Today Beam unveiled the Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series Trio, which bundles together the three Hardin’s Creek expressions— Clermont, Frankfort, and Boston—in a three-pack of smaller bottles, presenting an interesting look at the effect of terroir on whiskey.
The bundle contains three 200-ml bottles, retail priced at $175. That compares to the $170 commanded by each 750-ml expression upon release. The packs will be available in select markets and online through ReserveBar. Our panel scored both Frankfort and Clermont at 91, with a review of Boston to come, and we look forward to comparing them side by side. If you manage to secure a pack, we recommend tasting each bottle blind against each other and in a flight with other bourbons. Sip each carefully, take vigorous notes, discuss it with a friend, and be your own judge. Happy sipping!
