Jim Beam Black is a premium expression from best-selling American Kentucky bourbon brand Jim Beam, relaunched with a 7-year age statement in June 2024. A mellow whiskey, where smoothness meets notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, Jim Beam Black represents over two centuries of distilling tradition. Jim Beam’s master distiller Fred Noe states that the bourbon, “represents the very best of what Jim Beam has to offer. It’s a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship”.
Exploring Beam Black’s history, tasting notes, and availability this ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about Jim Beam Black.
Jim Beam Black: The Facts
The original Jim Beam Black Label ‘101 Months’ was launched in the 1970s, matured for just under 8 and a half years, and bottled at 90 Proof (45% ABV). In 1978, Jim Beam Black was introduced as ‘double-aged’, with an official 8-year age statement, compared with the standard White Label’s 4 years. Over the ensuing decades, the whiskey’s strength would be reduced to 86 proof (43% ABV).
By 2014, the bourbon was often comprised of 6.5 year old liquid on average, leading the expression to be rebranded as Jim Beam Black ‘Extra-Aged’ with an undisclosed age in 2015.
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In June 2024, the expression was relaunched with a 7-year age statement and a restored strength of 90 Proof (45% ABV). Jim Beam’s master distiller Fred Noe stated the goal of the new edition was to “bring Jim Beam Black back to where it was when a lot of us grew up in the industry”. As inspiration, Noe and the Jim Beam blending team blind-tasted older batches of the bourbon, finding the liquid peaked at a ‘sweet spot’ aged 7 years and at 45% ABV.
You can read more about the relaunch here, where Beth Squires sat down with Fred and Freddie Noe for a look behind the scenes.
The barrels used to blend the expression are selected from a cross-section of barrels taken from different floors of Beam’s warehouse. This process was instituted at the distillery by Fred’s father, Booker Noe who believed it resulted in a greater consistency of flavour from bottle to bottle. A bourbon to savor, the brand states that the bourbon can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a solid backbone to any cocktail from a Highball to Old Fashioned.
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What Does Jim Beam Black Taste Like?
Aged for seven years, the new edition possesses a greater complexity and barrel influence than the standard Beam White Label or previous younger Beam Black expression, with a full-bodied taste of smooth caramel and warm oak notes. The brand’s official tasting notes can be found below:
“Appearance: Rich Gold.
Aroma: Charred oak with notes of brown sweets and vanilla.
Flavor: Full bodied with rich caramel and hints of baking spice.”
Has The Bourbon Won Any Awards?
The revamped version of Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old bottling has not yet won any awards, following the expression’s relaunch in June 2024. Previous editions, however, have won awards, with the original 8 Year Old ‘Double-Aged’ bottling earning a gold outstanding award in the worldwide whiskey bourbon category at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2013. In 2019, Jim Beam Black ‘Extra Aged’ was awarded a silver medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
How Much Is Jim Beam Black?
With The Whiskey Wash’s new comparison feature users can compare prices and check stock availability with their favorite drinks’ retailers.
Drinkers in the US can currently grab themselves a bottle for $19 on Hi Proof.
The revamped 7 Year Old has not yet reached the UK; although the discontinued ‘Extra Aged’ bottling is still available from well-known retailers including Hard to Find Whisky, The Whisky World, and Master of Malt.
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