I’ve decided to spend the next month or so on the bottom shelf of the bourbon dial to truly find out which bottom shelf bourbon is better. Why not start with the OG of the bottom shelf? Jim Beam bourbon or as some people call it Jim Beam White Label.

Master of Malt describes the distillation process for Jim Beam bourbon:

Jim Beam bourbon undergoes distillation at lower temperatures and is distilled to no more than 62.5%, the White label is aged for four years and has quite a high percentage of rye in the mashbill.

The Jim Beam Original mashbill is 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. It’s off the still at 135 proof, in the barrel at 125 proof, and in the bottle at 80 proof. In 1943, Jim Beam officially was named after James B. Beam who resurrected the distillery after prohibition, and so was born the most popular bourbon brand in America and the iconic Jim Beam white label.

Related: Jim Beam Brands

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Best Jim Beam Bourbons Reviewed

Jim Beam White Label in the Glass

High viscosity and oily covering my Glencairn whiskey glass. It’s white gold and hay color.

Nose – 72 Points

I get peanut shells and hay. Subtle underripe peach, bitter orange peel, and vanilla and light caramel. Kind of disappointed. The big, bold flavors I expect from Beam aren’t there.

Taste – 80 Points

It’s got hints of light caramel and vanilla with the peanut shell note and hints of black pepper on the top of the palate.

Finish – 81 Points

The finish is more peanuts, vanilla, and black pepper but it’s a short finish but not what I’d call smooth either.

Related: Booker’s Bourbon Batches

Verdict – Bronze 77 Points

The nose was disappointing but the palate and finish rebounded. It’s amazing how much flavor Beam gets out of its 6 to 8-year-old bourbon for Booker’s but how those bold flavors aren’t present in their entry-level Beam white label bourbon.

This is a mixer all the way. Made a great highball with this after seeing Beam advertising it on Instagram the past week or so. Pro Tip: get your hands on some dusty Jim Beam bourbon — it can sometimes be found at a reasonable price, and let me tell you the Jim Beam Original Dusty doesn’t disappoint.

Jim Beam White: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jim Beam better than Jack Daniels?

I ranked Jack Daniel’s higher than Jim Beam white label. I’d go with Jack.

Is Jim Beam a bourbon or a whiskey?

It’s both actually. All bourbon is whiskey.

How do you drink Jim Beam bourbon?

Drink it however you want. I’d mix it with coke on a hot summer day personally or make a highball.

Can you drink Jim Beam straight?

Of course, you can but for me, it’s lacking the complexity and depth I’m looking for in a bourbon I’d drink neat.

Is Jim Beam considered top shelf?

Jim Beam definitely distills top-shelf bourbon, but Jim Beam white label isn’t top-shelf.

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Review

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut is a technical flex by the Jim Beam distillery. “We take the liquid we extract from our barrels, blend it with extra-aged Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and bottle it at 90 proof to create a premium bourbon with extra depth and complexity.”

Devil’s Cut in the Glass

Moderate glass coverage with thin beady legs.

Nose Dive – 82 Points

Vanilla, charred wood, and raisins. Reminds me a bit of those vanilla yogurt covered raisins. It’s a straightforward experience. Not a bad experience but not complex or compelling either.

Taste – 82 Points

Lots of charred oak with just a hint of burnt brown sugar, and black pepper on the mid-palate.

Finish – 79 Points

Short finish. Basically, the same flavor profile from nose to finish. Sweet oak.

Verdict – Silver 81 Points

I would drink this over the Jim Beam white label. I would place it squarely within the mid shelf drinker category. Budget-friendly. Solid neat. Enjoyable.

Devil’s Cut: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Good?

I enjoyed sipping on Jim Beam Devil’s Cut. It was wood and sweet with a nice amount of spice.

Is Jim Beam Devil’s Cut really extracted from wood?

Is Jim Beam Black really the highest rated bourbon?

Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut won the Bourbon Trophy at the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition, their highest honor.

Jim Beam Black (Extra-Aged) Review

Review coming soon

Jim Beam Bonded Review

Review coming soon

Jim Beam Double Oak Review

Review coming soon

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut

Review coming soon

What is the best Jim Beam Bourbon?

Jim Beam bourbon blind tasting is the only way to do an honest head to head. One of my favorite YouTube channels for whiskey tastings It’s Bourbon Night did a phenomenal Jim Beam bourbon blind tasting. Check it out.

Start shopping for bourbon clothing and accessories. The Bard’s Shop has custom tees and hoodies, books, barrels, and more.