Introduction

Every now and then, packaging catches my eye enough to make me curious—especially when it nods to the past. That was the case with this reissued bowling pin bottle from Jim Beam. I’d seen images of the original releases from the '60s and '70s in collectors’ circles, so when I heard Beam had decided to bring it back with a fresh bottling, I picked one up without much hesitation. I expected the contents to be standard Jim Beam bourbon, but I was still keen to assess whether the presentation was merely nostalgic or if the whiskey had something more to offer.

Nose

Pouring it into a glass (the bottle shape makes this a bit awkward, by the way), the aroma starts softly. At first, I picked up classic bourbon notes—vanilla, fresh corn, and a gentle hit of sweet oak. It's not particularly deep, but it's clean and familiar. There’s a slight nuttiness, perhaps peanuts or pecan shells, and hints of honeyed grain. As it opens up, a subtle spice emerges—mostly cinnamon and clove, faint but pleasant.

Palate

On the palate, the whiskey is light to medium-bodied. The sweetness leads the way with caramel and vanilla, meeting a dry oak undertone. It’s smooth, not intense, and fairly straightforward. I tasted a bit of corn syrup sweetness balanced by delicate spice—nothing overpowering. There's a faint leather or tobacco dryness in the background, which adds a touch of maturity to an otherwise easy sipper. It’s clearly a younger bourbon, but it handles itself well.

Finish

The finish is short to moderate. It fades slowly with lingering sweetness—think brown sugar and softly toasted wood. After a few moments, there’s a touch of dry spice left behind, but overall it dissipates gently without a fight. I didn’t detect any harshness; it's easygoing from beginning to end.

Price and Value

The bottle landed in the £30–£35 range, which is a bit more than standard Jim Beam expressions. You’re definitely paying a premium for the collectible bottle rather than upgraded whisky. Still, it isn’t unreasonable given its novelty and limited run. I’d say if you’re a fan of Beam or if you collect unique bottles, it delivers fair value—just don’t expect anything revelatory from the spirit itself.

Background

Jim Beam, distilled in Clermont, Kentucky, is one of the most widely recognised American bourbon producers. This limited edition bottle revisits a quirky release from decades past—a ceramic bowling pin design used in Beam’s decanter series of the mid-20th century. This modern version is made of glass, filled with what appears to be their standard 4-year-old bourbon.

You can learn more about the company and its offerings on the Jim Beam website.

Final Notes

Would I buy this again? Not for the whisky alone—but if I came across another bottle and wanted it for the shelf, I'd probably grab one. For someone new to bourbon, this is a gentle introduction—sweet, balanced, and easy drinking, without too much complexity to get lost in. The bottle makes it a fun conversation piece, perhaps something to bring out at gatherings rather than an everyday pour.

In terms of occasion, I’d save it for casual evenings or light-hearted events rather than serious tasting sessions. And when compared to other Kentucky bourbons at the same price point, this one competes solidly—but doesn’t necessarily stand out. The honest truth is this bottle shines more in presentation than in what's inside it—but sometimes, that's enough for the right crowd.