Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam are two of the most famous American whiskeys. Both are entry-level bottles that have introduced millions of people to whiskey.
This comparison looks at Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 and Jim Beam White Label. We cover how they are made, how they taste, what critics say, and which one gives better value.
The focus is on their core whiskeys. Put their premium bottles side by side, and the result might be very different.
How They’re Made
Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 is a Tennessee whiskey. Its mash bill is 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye.
The spirit is filtered through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging. This step is called the Lincoln County Process. It removes impurities and gives the whiskey a smoother taste. After filtering, the spirit goes into new charred American oak barrels for at least four years.
It is this extra step that classifies Jack Daniel’s as a Tennessee whiskey rather than a bourbon. It meets all of the requirements to be considered a bourbon, but the Lincoln County Process, JD argues, distinguishes their product from bourbon. All Tennessee whiskey, with the single exception of that from Benjamin Prichard’s Distillery, undergoes the process.
Jim Beam White Label, on the other hand, is a Kentucky straight bourbon. The mash bill is around 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
It is made in Clermont, Kentucky, using limestone-filtered water and a yeast strain that has been in use for more than a century. It follows the classic sour mash process and is aged in new charred oak barrels for four years.
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Flavor and Tasting Notes
Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 has a sweet and mellow style. Official notes highlight vanilla, caramel, and almond. Many tasters also pick up a ripe banana character, which comes from the yeast. On the palate, it is smooth, with light oak and gentle spice. The finish is soft and well-rounded.
Jim Beam White Label is a little drier and more oak-forward. The brand lists oaky vanilla with a spicy backdrop. Drinkers often notice peanut, caramel, and a touch of citrus. It is medium-bodied with a short, clean finish.
Expert Opinions
Critics often place Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 and Jim Beam White Label in the same category: reliable but simple.
Noting its universal appeal and innate links to American culture, we called Jack Daniel’s “dependable, widely loved, consistent, and affordable.” It may not be the most complex whiskey in the world, but that is not what it is for. According to Phil Dwyer, who enjoyed a lot of Jack Daniel’s in his early whiskey days, “Jack Daniel’s is one of those whiskeys that is great for a night when you want a whiskey, but you don’t want to think about it. I always have a bottle in my house.”
Similarly, Jim Beam Original is not meant to blow the socks off an experienced bourbon drinker. Eric Hasman at Breaking Bourbon put it succinctly: “Jim Beam white label isn’t meant to be unique. It’s mellow, low proof and low cost for a reason: so as many people can enjoy it as possible.”
Both whiskeys are made for the masses. If you are looking for something more complex, then both distilleries have various other offerings that will suit. Think Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel or Jim Beam Double Oak.
Price and Availability
In the United States, Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 usually sells for around $20 to $25 for a 750 ml bottle. Jim Beam White Label is a few dollars cheaper, often between $15 and $20. In the UK, Jack Daniel’s is typically £22 to £25, while Jim Beam is £18 to £22.
Both are among the most widely available spirits in the world. Jack Daniel’s is the best-selling American whiskey, and Jim Beam is the best-selling bourbon. You can find them in supermarkets, liquor stores, and bars, almost anywhere.
The small price gap means the choice comes down more to taste and brand preference than cost.
Verdict: Which One Wins?
We are definitely not the first people to pit these two famous whiskeys against each other. And everyone has a different opinion.
In reality, there are many similarities between these whiskeys in terms of price, availability, and deep-seated roots in American history. Ultimately, the question as to which one is better comes down to what you are looking for from your whiskey.
If you like a smoother, drier whiskey with notes of oak spice and vanilla, Jack Daniel’s is the better choice. Its charcoal mellowing gives it a soft profile and a signature banana note. If you prefer a more classic bourbon taste with sweeter oak, caramel, and corn, Jim Beam White Label stands out. It is also the cheaper of the two.
There is no clear winner for everyone. It depends on your taste and what you plan to drink.
For me, Jack Daniel’s may ever-so-slightly edge out Jim Beam for its slightly more complex texture. But Jim Beam is also a solid, budget pour.
When comparing Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam, you are comparing two iconic products that are so beloved thanks to their approachability and affordability. My honest advice would be, because they are so cheap, try them both. Mix them up. Blind taste. Enjoy in a cocktail. See which one suits your palate best.
