364: Inside James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Hardin's Creek with Alex Bowie

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott travel to Clermont, Kentucky to sit down with Alex Bowie, Director of Homeplace Experiences at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. The conversation was recorded on location in Beam's brand-new podcast studio, with Bourbon Lens receiving early access to the space for an exclusive insider look.While working through a few first-day kinks in the new studio, Jake and Scott explore what makes the Beam Homeplace experience unique and dive into the current and upcoming whiskey innovations coming out of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Alex shares insight into how Beam approaches storytelling, hospitality, and innovation while honoring generations of bourbon-making tradition.A major focus of the episode is the debut of the Hardin's Creek Warehouse Series, a new limited collection designed to showcase how different warehouse environments shape bourbon flavor. The discussion breaks down how rickhouse design, height, and microclimate influence maturation—even when all other production variables remain the same.The episode wraps with a look at Beam's newly announced partnership with the Cadillac Formula One Team, set to debut during Cadillac's inaugural 2026 F1 season, highlighting Beam's expanding global presence and crossover into motorsports culture.Hardin's Creek Warehouse Series: Release DetailsA New Chapter in Hardin's Creek InnovationThe Hardin's Creek Warehouse Series is a limited, three-part collection that builds on the brand's experimental roots. Following the 2023 Kentucky Series—which explored terroir across multiple Beam campuses—this release isolates a single variable: the warehouse itself. Each bourbon uses the same mash bill and production process, allowing the aging environment to take center stage.As Freddie Noe, Eighth Generation Master Distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., explains, the Warehouse Series demonstrates how maturation environments alone can dramatically shape flavor. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected] BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.Cheers,Scott & JakeBourbon Lens