Jim Beam Black Extra Aged 750ML

Jim Beam Black Extra Aged 750ML is a premium Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml format. It earned the Bourbon Trophy at the 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Double Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its reputation as one of the most decorated bourbons in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA  |  Extra Aged (extended maturation beyond standard Jim Beam)  |  Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

James B. Beam Distilling Co. traces its bourbon-making lineage to 1795, making it one of the oldest continuously operating family traditions in American whiskey. Jim Beam Black uses a mashbill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, distilled first through a column still to 135 proof, then redistilled through a copper doubler to 125 proof before entering the barrel at 125 proof. The liquid matures in brand-new American white oak barrels with a level-4 char — sometimes called "alligator char" for the bumpy texture it creates on the wood's interior — which caramelizes natural sugars in the oak and delivers a richer, less tannic profile than lighter char levels. The extended aging period beyond the standard Jim Beam White Label allows deeper wood interaction and greater complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep caramel and vanilla cream lead, followed by soft toasted oak and the signature Jim Beam roasted peanut character. Beneath those primary notes sit dried apricot, a whisper of cinnamon, and a faint toasted grain quality.

Taste: The entry is smooth with rich toffee and baked apple sweetness. At mid-palate, vanilla broadens into robust oak structure balanced by gentle rye spice, white peppercorn, and a slightly nutty caramel note. Hints of orange peel, caraway seed, and red apple flesh emerge as the bourbon opens up with time in the glass.

Finish: The finish runs noticeably long for its proof, with caramel and toasted oak lingering alongside a pleasant warmth. Black pepper and a subtle licorice note close things out cleanly.

How to Drink Jim Beam Black

Neat or with a single ice cube is the best way to appreciate the extra aging and layered oak character. A few drops of water can coax out the dried fruit and cinnamon notes that sit beneath the caramel. Beyond sipping, Jim Beam Black works well in these cocktails:

• Old Fashioned — the deep toffee and oak backbone stand up to bitters and sugar without disappearing.
• Boulevardier — the rye spice and caramel complement sweet vermouth and Campari's bitterness.
• Whiskey Sour — the baked apple sweetness and vanilla create a balanced interplay with fresh citrus.

Best For

• Upgrading from Jim Beam White Label to explore deeper bourbon complexity
• Gifting a bourbon drinker who appreciates extra-aged expressions without a high price barrier
• Building a home Old Fashioned station with a dependable, oak-forward base
• Side-by-side tastings comparing the Beam family lineup

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jim Beam Black taste like? Jim Beam Black delivers rich caramel, toffee, and baked apple sweetness balanced by toasted oak and gentle rye spice. The finish is long and warm with lingering notes of black pepper and vanilla.

How does Jim Beam Black compare to Evan Williams Black Label? Both are affordable Kentucky straight bourbons, but Jim Beam Black carries extra aging time and a slightly lower proof (86 vs. 86 proof for Evan Williams), resulting in a smoother, more oak-driven profile. Evan Williams Black tends to lean sweeter with more straightforward caramel and cherry notes, while Jim Beam Black shows more complexity from its extended barrel time and level-4 char.

Is Jim Beam Black good for sipping neat? Yes — the extra aging rounds out harsh edges and builds enough depth to reward neat drinking, making it one of the more sippable bourbons at its price point.

Where is Jim Beam Black made? Jim Beam Black is produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, located in the heart of bourbon country in Bullitt County. The distillery has been associated with the Beam family since 1795.

What foods pair well with Jim Beam Black? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the oak and caramel complement charred meat. Dark chocolate, which mirrors the toffee and roasted notes. Pecan pie, playing off the bourbon's nutty caramel character. Sharp cheddar cheese, whose tang contrasts the sweetness. Grilled peaches, which echo the baked fruit notes on the palate.

What sizes does Jim Beam Black come in? Jim Beam Black Extra Aged is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, as well as 1L and 1.75L formats in many markets.

Is Jim Beam Black worth the price? Jim Beam Black positions as a premium step up from entry-level bourbon, sitting in the mid-value tier. Given its multiple international awards — including Bourbon Trophy at the 2016 IWSC — it consistently over-delivers relative to its price category.

Why Jim Beam Black?

What separates Jim Beam Black from the crowded mid-shelf bourbon field is the combination of a proven, award-laden track record and a straightforward production philosophy taken one step further. The level-4 alligator char on new American white oak barrels creates a caramelization effect that gives the bourbon its signature toffee richness without excessive tannin. Extended aging beyond the standard Jim Beam expression allows the rye spice and oak to integrate more fully, producing a bourbon that punches above its price tier. With a Double Gold from San Francisco and a Bourbon Trophy from the IWSC on its résumé, Jim Beam Black has earned critical validation that many bourbons at higher price points have not.