Jim Beam Dips Into Holiday Festivities With Limited-Edition ‘Winter Reserve’ Bourbon

(Photo: Jim Beam)

On Wednesday, Jim Beam made an early foray into holiday festivities with the debut of its limited-edition Winter Reserve.

The expression is aged six years — two longer than the brand’s flagship bourbon — before finishing for an undisclosed period in a pair of toasted barrel types. In contrast to charred barrels, which are exposed to a high-temperature open flame for mere seconds, toasted barrels mellow out over low-temperature heat for minutes or hours.

In the case of Winter Reserve, the technique is said to bring out flavors of vanilla, cinnamon spice and a hint of clove culminating in a warm finish. The expression is bottled at 43% ABV and is currently available at retailers including ReserveBar, Total Wine and Binny’s at a suggested retail price of $24.99.

Beam says the bottling will be “available for a limited time during the holiday season.” More likely than not, we guess that it’ll disappear from shelves by January.

“At Jim Beam, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our deeply rooted heritage,” seventh-generation master distiller Fred Noe remarked in a news release. “With Winter Reserve, we wanted to create a special bourbon that embodies the warmth of the holidays and the bold flavors that pair well with cold weather. We are excited to share it with our community and hope its holiday-inspired flavors bring people together to celebrate the joy of the season.”

The Kentucky-based bourbon giant last hit the market in June with the return of Jim Beam Black. Introduced as “Double Aged” when it was launched back in 1978, the retinkered bottling now features a 7-year age statement, an alcohol content of 45% ABV and a $24.99 price tag.