Looks like Jim Beam, the standard bearer of bourbon’s blue-collar cred, is going uptown in the new year. For the first time in its 200 year history of producing blended bourbons, the Kentucky-based Beam Inc. will introduce a single-barrel bourbon in March, 2014.

The mid-level, barrel-proof bourbon expands the Beam brand, elevating it from its rank-and-file reputation, while simultaneously keeping the cost below more pricier whiskeys filed under the signature craft category. That means a 750-millileter bottle will retail for about $34.99, according to Crain's Chicago Business.

Lexington Herald-Leader reports that visitors to the distillery in Clermont, Kentucky will be able to hand bottle their own Jim Beam Single Barrel beginning in February, and before the end of 2014, will also have the opportunity to select and purchase their own barrels.  

Photo: Flickr user robthurman