Jim Beam Bourbon Celebrates 230 Years with... a Whiskey-Filled Bowling Pin?

Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 11:01

Jim Beam Pin bottle bourbon 230th birthday

For its 230th birthday, Jim Beam is bringing back an old classic: the Pin Bottle. This bourbon bottle is not just an ordinary limited edition, but a tribute to a piece of bourbon heritage, containing a special whiskey.

FAQ

What's so special about the Jim Beam whiskey bottle?
It is a highly limited re-release of the classic bowling pin-shaped decanter.

When is it available?
From August 23rd, exclusively available at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky.

What's inside the special Jim Beam bottle?
An 8-year-old bourbon, 86.8 proof (43,4% ABV), aged in the same 9-level high warehouses as the original release.

Jim Beam unveils a classic in a new guise

In the 1940s, Jim Beam introduced a unique series of decanters for its bourbons. Bottles came in every imaginable shape, from a train and a Chevrolet Camaro to a dog and an eagle.

One of the models, a bowling pin, quickly became a favorite and experienced multiple releases. That fan favorite now makes a comeback for the 230th anniversary of the bourbon brand.

The Jim Beam Bourbon Pin Bottle doesn't just make a comeback but resembles closely the classic version with a large golden cap and golden letters on the glass. But what about the bourbon inside the anniversary carafe?

What kind of bourbon is in the bottle?

The Jim Beam bottle contains an eight-year-old bourbon, specially selected to come as close as possible to the old version. To achieve this, the old warehouse was sought out, and whiskey from the same nine floors was bottled.

The result is a bourbon with the following tasting notes:

Nose: Fresh notes of oak, baked bread, and toffee.

Palate: Subtle sweetness followed by rich toasted oak and a hint of light smoke.

Finish: Warm with a gentle hint of sweetness.

The American whiskey is even bottled at the same proof as the original, specifically 86.8 proof (43.4 percent alcohol by volume (ABV)).

When is the special Jim Beam bourbon being released?

The new limited edition for Jim Beam’s 230th birthday is being released on August 23rd on Jim Beam Day. This is an annual event where the distillery celebrates its rich history.

A bottle costs $99.99 (converted to approximately 85 euros). Unfortunately, the bottle is not for sale outside of the United States. To obtain one, you specifically have to visit the distillery.

Fun fact: the Jim Beam Pin Decanter was not only released in a golden color, but also in a version that can easily be mistaken for a real bowling pin. This bottle is all white with red bands and red text.