🥃 Jim Beam Black
Longer aged Jim Beam version: in the USA 7 years and 45 % ABV; in other markets and older batches 6 years and 43 % ABV.
Jim Beam Black is a longer aged version of the Kentucky bourbon Jim Beam. The producer's page for the USA states 7 years of maturation and 90 proof, that is 45 % ABV. In other markets and older batches the label differs: Difford's Guide describes Black Triple Aged with 6 years and 43 % ABV.
According to Difford's Guide, Jim Beam Black comes from the Bonded Beam bourbon; early bottles carried an 8-year statement, removed in 2009, and from November 2010 the label stressed a minimum of six years. The producer gives the grain recipe: 77 % corn, 13 % rye and 10 % malted barley, matured in new charred oak barrels. VinePair reviewed the Extra-Aged version at 43 % ABV.
Why this matters to you. Compared with Jim Beam Original this means a longer maturation and a higher strength, so the taste is denser and oakier. Check the age and strength on the label: they depend on the market and the year. The WHO reminds us: there is no safe dose of alcohol.
Facts
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 45 % ABV (USA, according to the producer); 43 % ABV (Black Triple Aged / Extra-Aged) |
|---|---|
| Minimum maturation | 7 years (USA); 6 years (Black Triple Aged, according to Difford's Guide) |
| Raw material | 77 % corn, 13 % rye, 10 % barley malt (according to the producer) |
| Cask type | new charred oak barrels |
| Legal basis | 27 CFR § 5.143 (USA): straight bourbon |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Jim Beam Black → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🍷 Barrel toasting, 🐝 American white oak
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Jim Beam, 🥃 Bourbon whiskey, 🥃 Straight bourbon whiskey
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Baker's, 🥃 Jim Beam Rye, 🥃 Jim Beam Rye, 🥃 Jim Beam Devil's Cut, 🥃 Jim Beam Devil's Cut
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Jim Beam Black is the same everywhere?
No. In the USA the producer states 7 years and 45 % ABV, while other markets and older batches show 6 years and 43 % ABV.
How does Jim Beam Black differ from Original?
By longer maturation and higher strength; Original has 40 % ABV and, according to the producer, 4 years.
What grain is Jim Beam Black made from?
According to the producer, 77 % corn, 13 % rye and 10 % malted barley.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🐝 American white oak — A North American oak that gives wine strong vanilla and coconut notes.
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky — Grain in the name of American whiskey: bourbon is at least 51% corn, rye at least 51% rye, corn whiskey at least 80% corn.
- 🍷 Barrel toasting — Heating the inside of a barrel over fire; the degree of toast shapes the wine's taste.
- 🥃 Baker's — Kentucky bourbon from Jim Beam, named after Baker Beam; aged at least 7 years, 107 proof (53.5% ABV); bottled as single barrel since October 2019.
Similar
🥃 Jim Beam Double Oak · 🥃 Jim Beam Original · 🥃 Jim Beam Devil's Cut · 🥃 Jim Beam Rye · 🥃 Old Forester 100 Proof · 🥃 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Jim Beam (official): Jim Beam Black Bourbon (7 years, 90 proof, 77 % corn, 13 % rye, 10 % malted barley)
- Difford's Guide: Jim Beam Black Triple Aged 6 Years (43 %, from Bonded Beam, 8 YO statement removed 2009, redesign November 2010)
- VinePair: Jim Beam Black Extra Aged review (43 %)
- 27 CFR § 5.143 Standards of identity for whisky (bourbon, rye; straight — min. 2 years), text via Cornell LII
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)