Day 7

HARDIN'S CREEK
Release No. 2 The Beaver

Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill: Undisclosed (must have 51% Corn to be bourbon)

Aged: 11 Years

Proof: 110

MRSP: $150 for 700ml

Why I chose it: I had actually never heard of this bottle when I saw it sitting on the shelf at Jim Beam. Last year's Baker's 13 was one of our highest-rated 2024 bottles, so I wanted to include another Beam pick this year. I did enough research to say it was worth a try, if not for rarity alone. In my haste to check out and desire to keep the purchases a secret from those with me on the purchase excursion, I failed to do a thorough evaluation of the bottle. Unfortunately, this is a 700ml bottle. I despise the shrinkflation trend of distillers that go to 700ml. When I first heard that sad news, I vowed I would never buy a 700ml bottle (and recommend you do the same). In addition to silently robbing you, advent splitting is further complicated as I had to perform a slightly smaller pour ratio for our 24 calendars.

I was furious at myself when I unpacked and catalogued the purchase that evening. Eventually, I shifted my frustration from myself to Beam, who will probably go into the penalty box next year (a loss for them as I spent over $800 on this year's visit alone). Was the bottle worth it?

Distiller's page: https://www.beamdistilling.com/hardins-creek/whiskies/release-2-the-beaver