Jim Beam Unveils Latest Expressions of Ultra-Premium Jim Beam Signature Craft Innovations

02 Sep 2014 --- Jim Beam, the world's No. 1 bourbon, announces the release of two rare, ultra-premium expressions as part of its Jim Beam Signature Craft line – Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask and Jim Beam Harvest Bourbon Collection. The Jim Beam Signature Craft line is a series of innovative, limited released, small batch bourbons that showcases some of the finest hand-crafted and rare liquids to come from the Jim Beam distillery.

"With the newest batch expressions in our ultra-premium line of craft products, we are honoring traditions of the past while charting new waters for bourbon distilling," said Fred Noe, Jim Beam's 7th Generation Master Distiller. "I'm very proud of these new expressions and am eager to continue experimenting and innovating in search of future batches for the Jim Beam Signature Craft line."

Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask
Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask is the third edition from the Jim Beam Signature Craft line and second limited-edition expression. This full-bodied Kentucky Straight Bourbon is bottled at 86 proof, starts with premium Jim Beam Bourbon aged at least five years and is finished with a variety of fine quarter cask bourbons, and all aged at least four years in smaller barrels. By building on a base of mature liquid and finishing it with quarter cask aged liquid, the inspired distillers at Jim Beam were able to craft just the right balance of rich vanillas of a mature bourbon profile and the extra oak notes of the quarter cask bourbon.

Perfect for whiskey drinkers who enjoy trying unique expressions, this bourbon is an excellent addition to the Jim Beam Signature Craft family. Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask joins Jim Beam Signature Craft 12-Year, the permanent expression in the line, which was released in September 2013.

Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask is available in select bars and retailers and has a suggested retail price of $39.99 for 750mL.

Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection
In 2003, a group of daring distillers at Jim Beam thought "outside the barrel" and experimented with a variety of obscure grains and non-traditional recipes and ultimately settled on a range of harvest grains such as Brown Rice and Soft Red Wheat (among others) to complement the majority grain of corn. These innovative distillers, many of whom have since currently retired, distilled a handful of liquids and laid them down in rackhouses to rest, untouched, for years…until now. More than a decade later, Fred Noe discovered these lost barrels and gave them a taste; and while a few batches from the lot did not make the cut, he was delighted to find six delicious bourbons, ready to be bottled and released.

Jim Beam Harvest Bourbon Collection is a series of six hand-crafted bourbons that celebrate the distinctive tastes imparted by the distillation of different grains. More than 11 years of aging have brought out the nuances of these unique ingredients to create some of the rarest, most unique whiskey expressions to ever leave a Jim Beam rackhouse.

The first two grain representations – Soft Red Wheat and Brown Rice – are being released in extremely small quantities. The four remaining expressions – Whole Rolled Oat, Triticale, High Rye and Six Row Barley – will be released with limited quantity throughout 2015.

Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat Bourbon
   - Bottled at 90 proof, Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat is a light-bodied and very approachable bourbon that has been aged for 11 years
    - The finest Soft Red Wheat from Kentucky and Indiana gives this bourbon a gentle spice with a slight, light brown sugar sweetness and a light-bodied finish that is best enjoyed straight (neat or on-the-rocks)
    - Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat has a slight and soft aroma with mild oak notes, and has a range of color from golden honey to amber

Jim Beam Signature Craft Brown Rice Bourbon
-    Also bottled at 90 proof, Jim Beam Signature Craft Brown Rice is a full-bodied bourbon that has lasting flavor from its 11 years of aging
-    This bourbon contains a taste of toasted grain with sweet oak and rich vanilla flavors and is best enjoyed straight (neat or on-the-rocks)
-    Jim Beam Signature Craft Brown Rice has an aroma with notes of sweet potato and brown sugar with a slight oaky spice and a deep, rich amber color

Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat and Brown Rice are available in select bars and retailers and have a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 375mL.

For more information about the Jim Beam Signature Craft Line or the Jim Beam Harvest Bourbon Collection, like their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter or visit the jimbeam website.