Introduction
When it comes to affordable bourbons, Jim Beam offers a range of budget-friendly options that have earned their place on liquor store shelves. With so many choices, it can be challenging to determine which bottle is worth your hard-earned money. We’ve reviewed five bottom-shelf Jim Beam bourbons—Double Oak, Devil's Cut, Single Barrel, Black Label, and Straight Bourbon (White Label)—to help you decide which one stands out. Here’s a comprehensive summary, ranking these bourbons from the lowest to the highest-rated.
5. Jim Beam Devil's Cut
Final Score: 27.25/50
Overview:
Jim Beam Devil’s Cut is a unique concept where whiskey is extracted from the wood of the barrels it aged in and blended with extra-aged bourbon. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired. This 90-proof bourbon lacks complexity and has a thin mouthfeel, with a bitter, chemically-tinged palate that doesn’t live up to its intriguing concept. Despite the idea behind it, Devil’s Cut falls short and is best left on the shelf.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Predominantly oak with burnt caramel and peanut, earning 5.5/10 from Brad and 7/10 from Bob.
- Palate: Watery and bitter, with notes of apple peel and charred oak, scoring 6/10 from Brad and 5/10 from Bob.
- Finish: Short and unremarkable, with a 4.5/10 from Brad and 5.5/10 from Bob.
- Balance: Nothing exceptional, scoring 5/10 from Brad and 6/10 from Bob.
- Value: At $19.99, it offers poor value, with a 5/10 from both reviewers.
4. Jim Beam Double Oak
Final Score: 31.75/50
Overview:
Jim Beam Double Oak, an 86-proof bourbon, is matured in a second oak barrel, promising more depth and complexity. While the nose shows promise with notes of peanut, vanilla, and oak, the taste and finish don’t quite deliver on that promise. The palate is a mix of bitter oak and sweetness, but the overall balance feels off, and the finish leaves much to be desired. This bourbon is interesting and offers more complexity than some other budget options, but its inconsistency makes it a hit-or-miss purchase.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Peanut, vanilla, and oak, scoring 7/10 from both reviewers.
- Palate: A mix of peanut nougat and bitter oak, with Brad giving it a 7.5/10 and Bob a 5.5/10.
- Finish: A disappointing end with bitter, salty apple notes, earning 5/10 from Brad and 6/10 from Bob.
- Balance: Decent but unremarkable, scoring 6/10 from both reviewers.
- Value: At $20-25, it’s an okay value, with 6.5/10 from Brad and 7/10 from Bob.
3. Jim Beam Black Label
Final Score: 32/50
Overview:
Jim Beam Black Label is a mid-range offering that delivers a decent experience for its price point. The nose is pleasant, with sweetness and notes of caramel and cotton candy, but the palate and finish are watered down and lack depth. Despite this, it scored slightly higher than the Double Oak due to its smoothness and value at just under $20. This bourbon is a solid entry-level choice, particularly for those new to whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Simple syrup, caramel, and cotton candy, scoring 7/10 from Bob and 6.5/10 from Brad.
- Palate: Watered-down with oak and bubble gum sweetness, earning 5.5/10 from Bob and 6/10 from Brad.
- Finish: A mix of spice and toasted flavors, with a 6/10 from Bob and a 7/10 from Brad.
- Balance: Consistent but unremarkable, scoring 6.5/10 from both reviewers.
- Value: At $19.99, it’s a decent choice, with 6.5/10 from both reviewers.
2. Jim Beam Single Barrel
Final Score: 36.25/50
Overview:
Jim Beam Single Barrel is the most expensive bourbon in this lineup, and it mostly delivers on its higher expectations. This 108-proof bourbon offers a complex flavor profile with a nose featuring oak, honeycomb, and baking spices. The palate is a blend of tart cherry, vanilla, and spice, making it a standout in the Jim Beam lineup. However, the finish is where it falters, with a watery and short conclusion. Despite this, the Single Barrel is worth trying, especially if you find it at a good price. It’s a step up from the standard offerings, but the value may vary depending on the price.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Oak, honeycomb, and baking spices, scoring 7.5/10 from Brad and 6.5/10 from Bob.
- Palate: Tart cherry, cinnamon, and vanilla, earning 8/10 from both reviewers.
- Finish: A short finish with lingering spice, scoring 7/10 from Brad and 6.5/10 from Bob.
- Balance: Decent complexity, with 7/10 from Brad and 8/10 from Bob.
- Value: At $39.99, it’s a good value, with 6.5/10 from Brad and 7.5/10 from Bob.
1. Jim Beam Straight Bourbon (White Label)
Final Score: 37/50
Overview:
Jim Beam Straight Bourbon, also known as White Label, is the flagship product of the Jim Beam lineup. This 80-proof bourbon surprised both reviewers with its well-rounded flavor profile, which includes notes of peanut, caramel, and a touch of maple syrup. While it’s not the most complex bourbon, it excels in its simplicity and offers tremendous value at just $17 a bottle. The balance was praised as the best among the five, making this a go-to choice for anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Peanut butter, brown sugar, and maple, scoring 7.5/10 from Bob and 6/10 from Brad.
- Palate: Rich maple syrup and caramel, earning 7.5/10 from Bob and 7/10 from Brad.
- Finish: Corn-heavy with vanilla and simple syrup, scoring 7/10 from Bob and 6/10 from Brad.
- Balance: Well-integrated flavors, with 8.5/10 from Bob and 7/10 from Brad.
- Value: Outstanding value at $17, earning a perfect 10/10 from Bob and 7.5/10 from Brad.
Conclusion
After reviewing five bottom-shelf Jim Beam bourbons, Jim Beam Straight Bourbon (White Label) slightly edged out the Single Barrel as the best option, primarily due to its stellar value. It offers the most well-rounded experience at an unbeatable price, making it the go-to choice for budget-conscious bourbon drinkers.
The Jim Beam Single Barrel is also a solid pick if you’re looking for something with more complexity, but its higher price point may not justify the purchase for everyone. Jim Beam Black Label and Double Oak offer decent experiences but fall short of being standout options, while Devil's Cut is best avoided unless you're curious about its unique aging process. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a dependable bottom-shelf bourbon, Jim Beam Straight Bourbon is the clear winner.
