Introduction
Today, we are checking out Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Bourbon, also known as Jim Beam Black Label. This review is the fourth Jim Beam product in our five-part miniseries of inexpensive Beam bourbons, after Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon, Jim Beam Devil's Cut and Jim Beam Double Oak.
Interestingly, this week’s review pairs with our movie, Black Panther. This was a happy accident, as we initially planned to review this bourbon weeks ago but had to reschedule. Now, we have a serendipitous pairing that appears well-thought-out but was purely coincidental.
Recently, Jim Beam introduced a new product, Jim Beam Black Label Bourbon 7 Year, which is replacing the regular Jim Beam Black Label. While the Black Label 7 Year is aged seven years and slightly higher in proof at 90, today we are reviewing the classic Jim Beam Black Label, which might soon become a collector's item. This 86-proof bourbon is said to be aged years longer than the original Jim Beam, but without a specific age statement.
Let's dive into our thoughts on this potentially last-of-its-kind bourbon.
The following review is taken from our episode "Black Panther / Jim beam Black Label Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: Straight up, this is the most pleasant smelling of all the Jim Beam products we've had so far. It has a nice, simplistic sweetness, almost like simple syrup, with some good caramel character. I get a pop of spun sugar; it smells like cotton candy to me. I like that a lot, so I'm giving this a 7/10 on the nose.
Brad: I'm just a little below you. It has the Beam nuttiness with caramel and vanilla. For me, it wasn't quite cotton candy but more of a bubble gum note. I'll give it a 6.5/10.
Taste
Bob: It becomes exactly what we've had these last few weeks. There's quite a bit of watered-down flavor here. It tastes really oaky, a little bitter, with that bubble gum sweetness trying to cover it up. It's not terrible, but it’s diluted and incoherent. I'm giving it a 5.5/10 on taste.
Brad: It's watery with hints of caramel, vanilla, and some peanuts. To me, it almost turned into a bit of a stale saltine cracker. I'm sitting at a 6/10 on the palate.
Finish
Bob: The finish has a little bit of spice and a toasted flavor. It’s probably best as a Coke mixer because it has enough spice and oakiness to pop with a carbonated beverage. I'll give it a 6/10.
Brad: The finish is easily the best part for me. I give it a 7/10. The oakiness is pleasant, with some black pepper and a nice brown sugar sweetness.
Balance
Brad: The balance is okay; there's consistency in what they are trying to go for, but it’s all at a C-minus level. I'll give it a 6.5/10.
Bob: I think they’re shooting for a C-minus type whiskey and they achieve that. It sounds like an insult, but for a $20 bottle, they’re not putting maximum effort into this, and it’s passable. I'll give it a 6.5/10 as well.
Value
Bob: This is a $19.99 bottle. Considering you can get a seven-year version for $7 more, does that impact the score? I think for $20, it’s a decent experience and better than the white label. I'll give it a 6.5/10.
Brad: I agree. For $20, if you’re getting into whiskey, this is a decent choice. It offers a decent experience for the price. I'm giving it a 6.5/10 as well.
Final Scores
Brad: I'm at a 32.5/50.
Bob: I'm at 31.5/50, which brings us to an average of 32/50 or 64/100.
Conclusion
This score is below where we typically start recommending trying or buying a product, but I think Jim Beam Black Label deserves a thumbs up. If you’re looking for a $20 bottle of bourbon and aren’t specifically seeking a weeded bourbon, go try Jim Beam Black Label. You could do a lot worse than this nearly obsolete bourbon.
For context, a 35/50 mark is where we typically recommend trying a pour at a bar or buying a bottle. A 40/50 is considered great, and a 45/50 is excellent. Jim Beam Black Label is a solid entry-level bourbon that’s worth checking out, especially as it may soon be replaced by the seven-year version.
