Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year and Rare Spanish Brandy

[Dolph Lundgren]

I bought a bottle of the Brandy a month ago. I really like the Spanish Brandy I've had and I really love bourbon, so I thought this was going to work. However, it was a little too sweet - not cloying but a little off. I haven't revisted the bottle since.

When I get a chance, I'll sit down with it this week and post some better notes/thoughts. For now, you have to go off the fact that I opened it over a month ago, had one drink and haven't touched it since.

[Gillman]

Dolph, just top up with the regular 12 (or adjust as you like in a different proportion) and you will surely get the balance exactly right.

Gary

[toddinjax]

I'm not sure why more folks aren't talking about these. I'm sipping both now, and enjoying them.

I pulled out an 8 yo black label distilled about the same time as the 12 yo. Color near identical. 12 yo had little more nose. 12 yo was like the 8 yo but more depth, more richness, longer stronger aftertaste. It's not like the makers vs makers 46 where ya just about need to sip side-by-side to notice difference. I wish Beam would do more with age, perhaps I could get more excited by Beam products if they did. I'd love to try this in a 16 yo barrel proof! Makes me wonder if an 18 yo would develop more interesting complexity like ya find with other older whiskey/whisky and which is generally lacking in Beam products.

The Brandy Craft is an interesting attempt at complexity. I know it's more likely marketing ploy rather than real attempt to produce great product, but it is an interesting attempt at something unique that a whiskey drinker might like, rather than adding cherry or maple or some such nonsense.

Does anyone else agree with the comment about needing a side by side tasting to differentiate between MM vs 46? I sure don't find the difference so subtle.

[cowdery]

Just an FYI, the Beam Spanish Brandy is not 12-year-old bourbon. It's NAS but they tell me it's about 6-years-old.

[Gillman]

Then the 12 would improve it all the more.

Gary

[Dolph Lundgren]

Dolph, just top up with the regular 12 (or adjust as you like in a different proportion) and you will surely get the balance exactly right.

Gary

I'll try and mad scientist it and see if I can come up with something better!

[Josh]

These are on the Michigan list but I have yet to see any on store shelves.

[Gillman]

Dolph: you can't lose (really)! Just try it in the glass first, say 3:1 Brandy to 12.

Gary

[Dolph Lundgren]

I think I got it figured out: 2 parts Brandy, 1 part 12 year and 8 parts Coke - simply amazing!

[hn4bourbon]

I think I got it figured out: 2 parts Brandy, 1 part 12 year and 8 parts Coke - simply amazing!

[Merrymash Monk]

I've found as I slowly work my way through the Signature, the more I like it. Just one thing though. As a Bourbon nerd I tend to parse labels and can't help but notice that Beam does not specify that this is a "straight" bourbon. Can't help but wonder why they would leave that out, especially if it is aged 12 years. Sure hope they aren't adding anything to it.

[393foureyedfox]

im guessing that aging it in sherry casks imparts some sherry to it, making it not a straight bourbon technically

[Gillman]

That whiskey and Coke sounds good. Someone should give it a name.

Gary

[Gillman]

How about the MDA? Short for May-December-in-Atlanta. Get it?

Editing to say I tried it with Maker's, EC 12 (since I don't have the others), and Coke, in the proportions mentioned. I added a lemon slice.

Excellent and the dose of older bourbon does really improve it but it's still fresh and lively.

Gary

Edited November 1, 2013 by Gillman

[Dolph Lundgren]

How about the MDA? Short for May-December-in-Atlanta. Get it?

Editing to say I tried it with Maker's, EC 12 (since I don't have the others), and Coke, in the proportions mentioned. I added a lemon slice.

Excellent and the dose of older bourbon does really improve it but it's still fresh and lively.

Gary

Are you sure the citrus from the lemon wasn't too overpowering? I'm a stickler for balance.

[Gillman]

I agree lemon can "ruin" a drink and it is a powerful flavor. This is why I think the old books advise to twist some of the oil from the skin on the rind and leave it at that.

I cut my lemon slices (for any drink) very thin and use just a portion of that, helf or less of the wheel. Works well because also, the drink doesn't last long.

Gary

[Merrymash Monk]

Yes Foureyed. The Spanish Brandy one is finished in brandy casks so that could be why there's no "straight" designation But the Signature Craft is not. That's the one I'm talking about. Haven't tried the Spanish Brandy one yet.

[HighInTheMtns]

Yes Foureyed. The Spanish Brandy one is finished in brandy casks so that could be why there's no "straight" designation But the Signature Craft is not. That's the one I'm talking about. Haven't tried the Spanish Brandy one yet.

Don't think it's finished in brandy casks; rather, they just vat it with some brandy prior to bottling.

[Merrymash Monk]

Yes High, you're right. Guess I didn't pay close enough attention to the Spanish Brandy version as it didn't really interest me so much as the standard one.

[hn4bourbon]

I tried a few pours of the Spanish brandy version. I have liked this ok tonight. The difference is I drank this first before anything else. I have also had a period a while ago where I drank exclusively brandies. So, it was good to taste some of it in this.

[cas]

These are on the Michigan list but I have yet to see any on store shelves.

Anyone seen this yet in Michigan?

Craig

[weller_tex]

I bought the JB 12 year on sale at Spec's for $32.99. I really, really like it. The front side reminds me of Baker's (which I like as well)..kind of a nutty candy bar taste with a hint of vanilla. The finish has quite a bit of cinnamon and just a brief hint of mint. It is a bit watery at 43% ABV, but all in all it is one of my new standard pours.

[adub23]

Anyone seen this yet in Michigan?

Craig

I actually just saw a bunch of both types on the shelf of the store I was just at. If you are looking for them, pm me.