The minds behind Jim Beam are now making American single malt too. 

James B. Beam Distilling Co., the distiller behind popular bourbon brand Jim Beam, is launching the new Clermont Steep, marking it's first American single malt whiskey. 

This move comes fresh on the heels of popular bourbon maker Jack Daniel's that launched its Twice Barreled single malt months ago. No doubt, signalling the rising interest and development of the American single malt whiskey category that is even still pending official legal definition.

Clermont Steep was produced by 8th Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe, who hand-selected American malted barley from the Midwest for the mash and incorporated the Beam family jug yeast - the same yeast used in all Beam products - into the fermentation process. The whiskey was distilled via column still, before being aged for five years in barrels that were toasted and charred to a char level 1. This level of char is said to contribute to the expression's flavors of rich butterscotch and shaved oak. 

8th Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe

While the American Single Malt Commission (ASMC) currently doesn't state restrictions around the types of barrels that must be used for American single malt whiskey, Clermont Steep is perhaps in part Noe's way of advocating for the use of new charred barrels. The master distiller elaborates:

“There are some rules I disagree with, and I think American whiskey as a whole has built its backbone on new casks; that’s a big one for us, and all of our single malts will likely continue to be aged in new casks. I’m not against used casks, but I do think it’s misleading to incorporate them, as they have such big impact on the flavor, and then not put that on the label."

The name "Clermont Steep" reflects the influence from both the process and the place. "Clermont" makes reference to Clermont, Kentucky - the soul place of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and the heartland of American Whiskey distilling culture. Meanwhile, "Steep" is a reference to the process of steeping the grain.

Official Tasting Notes

 

Color:

Golden Honey

 

Nose:

Toasted Malt; Caramel; Toffee; Confectionary (Candy) Sweet

 

Palate:

Vanilla; Caramel; Whole-Grain/Cereal

Clermont Steep will have a limited first run, but is slated to become a permanent addition to the Beam product line up. Bottles will be priced at US$60 each and sold in select states of the U.S. It will be made available on reservebar.com from June 2023.  

Images courtesy of Beam Suntory.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team