Jim Beam Black Extra Aged 375ML

Jim Beam Black Extra Aged 375ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon aged approximately seven years, bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 375ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Outstanding at the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition, establishing it as one of the stronger values in the Jim Beam portfolio.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 proof)  |  Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA  |  Extra Aged (~7 Years)  |  Distillery: Jim Beam

Production & Heritage

Jim Beam Black is distilled at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, using limestone-filtered water drawn from Central Kentucky springs. The mashbill runs 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, processed through a sour mash method with a proprietary yeast strain that has been in continuous use since the repeal of Prohibition. What distinguishes this expression from standard Jim Beam White Label is extended barrel maturation — roughly seven years in charred new American oak — and a blending protocol instituted by master distiller Booker Noe, who selected barrels from different floors of the rickhouse to achieve greater consistency and depth from batch to batch.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Charred oak and warm caramel lead the nose, followed by threads of vanilla, dried apricot, and a faint nutty quality. Cinnamon and toasted grain emerge as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is full-bodied and noticeably sweeter than standard Jim Beam, with rich caramel coating the palate. Mid-palate brings roasted oak and baking spice — cinnamon, caraway seed, and black pepper — balanced by a creamy vanilla core. Hints of red apple and orange peel add a subtle fruitiness that rounds out the profile.

Finish: Medium in length with a peppery warmth that lingers alongside charred oak and brown sugar. A whisper of licorice and dried grass fades slowly, leaving the palate clean.

How to Drink Jim Beam Black

Neat or with a single ice cube is the most rewarding way to experience the extra-aged character; a splash of water opens up the caramel and fruit notes without thinning the body. Jim Beam Black also performs well in cocktails that benefit from a bourbon with deeper oak influence. An Old Fashioned highlights the caramel-and-spice backbone without requiring a more expensive pour. A Bourbon Sour gains complexity from the dried fruit and vanilla notes that cut through citrus. A Manhattan works here because the richer oak character stands up to sweet vermouth better than lighter bourbons.

Best For

• Exploring aged bourbon without committing to a full 750ml bottle
• Building a home bourbon tasting flight alongside standard Jim Beam White and Knob Creek
• Gifting a bourbon-curious friend who is stepping up from entry-level whiskey
• Bringing a quality bourbon to a small gathering or dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jim Beam Black taste like? Jim Beam Black delivers rich caramel and creamy vanilla on a full-bodied palate, supported by charred oak, baking spice, and subtle dried fruit notes like apricot and orange peel. It finishes with medium warmth and a peppery, slightly sweet fade.

How does Jim Beam Black compare to Evan Williams Black Label? Both are value-tier aged bourbons, but Jim Beam Black tends to be sweeter and fruitier while Evan Williams Black Label leans more earthy and grain-forward. Jim Beam Black also carries a slightly longer maturation period, which contributes to its fuller oak presence.

Is Jim Beam Black good for sipping neat? Yes — the seven years of barrel aging give it enough depth and complexity to stand on its own neat or with a single ice cube, making it a solid step up from standard bourbon expressions in its price tier.

Where is Jim Beam Black made? Jim Beam Black is distilled and aged at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, located in the heart of bourbon country. The distillery uses limestone-filtered water sourced from the surrounding Central Kentucky region.

What foods pair well with Jim Beam Black? Smoked pork ribs complement the charred oak sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese mirrors the caramel and spice notes. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, vanilla character. Dark chocolate with sea salt contrasts the bourbon's sweetness. Grilled stone fruit like peaches amplifies the dried apricot undertones.

What sizes does Jim Beam Black come in? Jim Beam Black Extra Aged is commonly available in 375ml and 750ml bottles, with the 375ml format serving as a convenient option for sampling or travel.

Is Jim Beam Black worth the price? Jim Beam Black positions as a premium expression within the affordable bourbon segment — it delivers seven years of age and award-winning quality at a price point well below most similarly aged competitors, making it one of the stronger values in Kentucky bourbon.

Why Jim Beam Black?

The seven-year maturation period hits what many bourbon drinkers consider the sweet spot for corn-forward Kentucky whiskey — long enough to develop genuine oak complexity without the tannic bitterness that can emerge in older expressions. The cross-rickhouse blending technique pioneered by Booker Noe ensures a remarkably consistent product from bottle to bottle, a trait not always guaranteed in this price range. Its Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Outstanding from the International Wine and Spirit Competition back up the quality with independent validation. For drinkers looking to explore beyond entry-level bourbon, Jim Beam Black in the 375ml format is a low-risk way to experience what thoughtful extra aging can accomplish.