Jim Beam Triticale Harvest Bourbon uses one of the most uncommon of the non-traditional grains used in the Jim Beam Harvest Bourbon experiments. I’ve seen it used in other bourbons, like the phenomenal Corsair Grainiac, but I’ve never had a bourbon where it’s sitting second stage to the corn. Though once I found out what exactly triticale is I started wondering why no one has done this before.
Triticale, pronounced Tri (like trip-p) Ti (tip-p) Kailie (like the name), is a hybrid grain that comes to us courtesy of the Scots and the Swedes. In particular triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye, which are both traditional bourbon grains and seems like something that should be getting used more often. Created through precise cross-breeding, triticale “combines the yield potential and grain quality of wheat with the disease and environmental tolerance (including soil conditions) of rye” (wikipedia).
The Jim Beam Triticale Harvest Bourbon is a nice start, but it definitely makes me wonder what a true triticale (51%+) whiskey would taste like. Corsair made some in the past and as far as I know Dry Fly is the only one who makes one now. I guess my mission is clear; I need to get my hands on some Dry Fly Triticale!
Jim Beam Triticale Harvest Bourbon Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam
Mashbill: At least 51% Corn, some Triticale and Malted Barley
Cask: New-Charred Oak
Age: 11 Years
ABV: 45%
Price: $47*
Jim Beam Triticale Harvest Bourbon Review
EYE
Ruddy copper
NOSE
Caramel, marzipan,oak, cinnamon, fondant, maple icing, toasted grain and light notes of dark fruit and sour cherries. It’s interesting in all the right ways.
PALATE
Caramel, oak, marzipan, ‘Nilla Wafers, cinnamon, maple, toasted grains and light brown sugar and soap. Like the aroma, the palate is interesting and warm; it’s something I could happily drink any day.
FINISH
Long fade of brown sugar, oak, dried dark fruit and cinnamon.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, full body and an light-syrup feel.
OVERALL
Jim Beam Triticale Harvest Bourbon is good whiskey. There’s a “knob creek essence” to it that comes across and makes me want to keep exploring it. It’s one of the two that I’m heavily considering picking up another bottle of to hold in reserve. It’s also one of the two I hope Jim Beam makes more of so we can drink it in 2027. Experiments aren’t always successful, but this one definitely was.
SCORE: 88/100 (B+)
*Disclosure: This Jim Beam Triticale Harvest Bourbon was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.