BOTM 06/2025 Jim Beam Single Barrel

[Jazz June]

There’s been some discussion of this one on the forum lately, although the Jim Beam brand doesn’t usually attract much attention from the broader online bourbon community. While Jim Beam is generally a value brand, it has had a few higher end expressions throughout the years. This single barrel version is the current top end of the Jim Beam line.

 

The Basics

 

Distillery: Jim Beam / Booker Noe

Brand Owner: Suntory

Mash Bill: Typically described as 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley (Jim Beam’s primary bourbon mash bill, versus the higher rye Old Grand-Dad/Basil Hayden mash bill)

Proof: 108 (changed from 95 proof in 2019)

Age: NAS (at least 4 years old)

MSRP: $42

Expression introduced: 2014

Last time as BotM: First time

 

Distillery Tasting Notes

 

Aroma/Nose: Rich oaky vanilla with light spiciness.

 

Taste/Palate (labeled “Flavour” in this case): Well-balanced attributes of oak, vanilla and caramel.

 

Finish: [no note provided]

 

My Thoughts

 

It has been a long time since I have tasted this one (in fact, it was at the old 95 proof version), but my memory was that it kicked the Jim Beam profile up a notch, while still containing that distinct Beam nuttiness. I always get that note in Jim Beam brand products, while it is often absent or far more subtle in their other brands of this same mash bill. I don’t know if this is the result of successfully matching a flavor profile to the brand’s products or a psychological association on my part, but it is always there for me.

 

So, Straight Bourbon, what do you have to say about Jim Beam Single Barrel?

[Skinsfan1311]

I love it!

Between the Beam nuttiness & the 108 proof, this one is squarely in my wheelhouse & one my favorites..

Edited Sunday at 10:14 PM by Skinsfan1311

[rzelinka]

20 hours ago, Jazz June said:

There’s been some discussion of this one on the forum lately, although the Jim Beam brand doesn’t usually attract much attention from the broader online bourbon community. While Jim Beam is generally a value brand, it has had a few higher end expressions throughout the years. This single barrel version is the current top end of the Jim Beam line.

 

The Basics

 

Distillery: Jim Beam / Booker Noe

Brand Owner: Suntory

Mash Bill: Typically described as 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley (Jim Beam’s primary bourbon mash bill, versus the higher rye Old Grand-Dad/Basil Hayden mash bill)

Proof: 108 (changed from 95 proof in 2019)

Age: NAS (at least 4 years old)

MSRP: $42

Expression introduced: 2014

Last time as BotM: First time

 

Distillery Tasting Notes

 

Aroma/Nose: Rich oaky vanilla with light spiciness.

 

Taste/Palate (labeled “Flavour” in this case): Well-balanced attributes of oak, vanilla and caramel.

 

Finish: [no note provided]

 

My Thoughts

 

It has been a long time since I have tasted this one (in fact, it was at the old 95 proof version), but my memory was that it kicked the Jim Beam profile up a notch, while still containing that distinct Beam nuttiness. I always get that note in Jim Beam brand products, while it is often absent or far more subtle in their other brands of this same mash bill. I don’t know if this is the result of successfully matching a flavor profile to the brand’s products or a psychological association on my part, but it is always there for me.

 

So, Straight Bourbon, what do you have to say about Jim Beam Single Barrel?

I enjoy what Beam does. While others don’t necessarily care for the nuttiness, I enjoy it.

 

will have to give this one a try. Love the possibilities with a higher proof option 

[MSB]

The past btls I have had, I enjoyed. They  seem to be very consistent from barrel to barrel,  from my limited experience, unlike HMcK BiB or Blantons. With the latter two, I have had just average to OMG CAN I GET MORE, PLEASE!!  With JB SiB they all have been pretty good and at a better price in todays market. I wonder if there are some honey barrels out there???

  And I wish they were more readily available.