Jim Beam is one of the most recognized names in bourbon. Founded in 1795, the brand has grown into a global giant with bottles on shelves from Kentucky to Tokyo. For new drinkers, that wide range can be confusing. Should you start with the classic White Label, or reach for something richer like Double Oak? Do flavored picks such as Apple or Honey deserve a spot in your glass?
This guide breaks down seven Jim Beam bottles that are easy to find, affordable, and beginner-friendly. You will learn what each one is, how it tastes, and how to enjoy it.
Jim Beam White Label – The Classic
Jim Beam White Label is the best place to start. It is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that spends about four years in new charred oak barrels before bottling at 80 proof (40% ABV). That is twice the minimum aging required by law, which helps smooth out the spirit.
The flavor is light and approachable. Expect notes of vanilla, caramel, and gentle oak with a touch of spice. Critics often describe it as simple, but dependable. Eric Hasman at Breaking Bourbon said: “It’s probably one of the best inexpensive bourbons on the market.” However, he noted that for seasoned drinkers, White Label lacks complexity.
White Label is one of the most widely available bourbons in the world. It usually costs around $15-$20 in the U.S. or £20 in the UK. It is ideal for mixing with cola, ginger ale, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
Jim Beam Black – Extra-Aged Smoothness
Jim Beam Black is the older sibling to White Label. It is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon that now carries a 7 year age statement. Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), it offers more body and depth than the standard release.
Aging longer in new oak barrels adds richer flavors. The bourbon shows caramel, vanilla, and warm oak with a smooth finish. Whisky Advocate gave it 92 points, praising its notes of chocolate, orange, and baking spice.
It is widely available in both the U.S. and UK. Prices are usually around $20-$30 in the U.S. and £25-£30 in the UK. Black works in many ways. It is flavorful enough to sip neat, smooth on the rocks, and strong enough to shine in cocktails like a Manhattan.
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In an interview with Beth Squires upon the relaunch of Jim Beam Black, Fred and Freddie Noe called Jim Beam Black “the Swiss army knife of bourbons,” suggesting a frozen Whiskey Sour as a great summer serve.
Jim Beam Apple – Crisp & Sweet-Tart
Jim Beam Apple blends Kentucky Straight Bourbon with apple liqueur. Bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV), it is lighter and sweeter than regular bourbon. The flavor is crisp and fresh, with green apple candy notes balanced by a touch of vanilla and oak.
The brand describes it as “a refreshing burst of green apple with a warm bourbon finish.” Reviewers often compare it to a green Jolly Rancher in a glass.
Apple is designed for mixing. It pairs well with club soda or ginger ale and makes a simple Apple Mule with ginger beer and lime. Prices are around $15-$20 in the U.S. and about £18-£20 in the UK. It is widely available and popular with drinkers who want a sweet, fruity twist on bourbon.
If you are a seasoned drinker, flavored whiskeys like this might not deliver on the complexity that you want. But don’t worry, complex bourbons are coming up.
Jim Beam Honey – Smooth Honeyed Bourbon
Jim Beam Honey combines the distillery’s straight bourbon with golden honey liqueur. Bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV), it is sweet, smooth, and very easy to drink. The aroma shows honeycomb and vanilla with light oak in the background. On the palate it leans heavily into floral honey, with a silky texture and a gentle bourbon finish.
Jim Beam promotes it as “sweet but not too sweet.” It is a great bridge between sweet liqueurs and straight bourbon.
Honey works best in mixed drinks. Try it with ginger ale, lemonade, or even stirred into hot tea. Prices are usually $15-$20 in the U.S. and around £20–23 in the UK. It is stocked almost everywhere and is a good entry point for drinkers who prefer sweeter spirits.
Jim Beam Red Stag – Black Cherry Twist
Jim Beam Red Stag was one of the first flavored bourbons to make a big impact. It blends Kentucky Straight Bourbon with natural black cherry flavors and is bottled at 65 proof (32.5% ABV).
The flavor is bold and sweet. Expect black cherry syrup alongside vanilla, caramel, and light oak. Many drinkers compare it to cherry cola in whiskey form. It finishes smooth with a lingering cherry note.
The brand highlights it as “a perfect balance of sweet, dark cherry and Kentucky bourbon.” Reviewers agree it is more about fruit than oak.
Red Stag is best enjoyed with cola or iced tea, but it also works on ice. It is easy to find in the U.S. and UK, priced around $15 or £17–20.
Jim Beam Double Oak – Twice Barreled Bourbon
Back to bourbon now. Jim Beam Double Oak is made by aging standard Jim Beam bourbon twice. After four years in new charred oak barrels, the spirit is transferred into a second freshly charred barrel for finishing. Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), this process deepens the flavor and adds more oak influence.
The aroma shows caramel, vanilla, and toasted wood. The taste is rich with toffee, oak spice, and hints of dark chocolate. Tasting Table praised it as the “finest expression in the Jim Beam portfolio” for its bold character at a fair price.
Double Oak is versatile but shines when sipped neat or on a large ice cube. It also makes an excellent Old Fashioned. Prices are about $25-$30 in the U.S. and £25-30 in the UK, with wide availability.
Jim Beam Single Barrel – One-of-a-Kind Bourbon
Jim Beam Single Barrel is a step up in quality and individuality. Each bottle comes from one hand-selected barrel chosen for exceptional character. That means no two bottles are quite the same. Most are aged longer than White Label and bottled at higher strength, often around 95 proof (47.5% ABV) or more.
The flavor is fuller and more complex than standard Jim Beam. Expect deep vanilla, oak, and caramel with notes of toasted nuts and spice. Some barrels show touches of dark fruit or honey. UPROXX called it “a damn fine bourbon at one of the most accessible price points for any single barrel bourbon out there.”
This bottle is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water. Prices average $30-$50 in the U.S. and £35-40 in the UK. It is widely available and well-regarded by bourbon enthusiasts.
Explore Jim Beam Bourbon
Jim Beam has built one of the most accessible bourbon portfolios in the world. The seven bottles here show the range on offer, from the dependable White Label to sweet flavored picks like Apple, Honey, and Red Stag, through to richer pours like Double Oak and Single Barrel. Each offers something different for beginners, whether you want a simple mixer or a bourbon worth sipping.
Of course, these are not the only whiskeys in the Jim Beam family. There are others like Devil’s Cut, Rye, and special releases that are also worth exploring.
Which Jim Beam bottle is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.
