Whisky I've Drank: Jim Beam Black Aged 8 Years

By Josh Peters at Thewhiskeyjug
Ah Jim Beam Black Label. Now we’re in daily drinker territory. The Black is aged for twice as long as the Jim Beam White Label and, for me, is where Jim Beam starts getting good. I don’t quite love it like I do Booker’s or Knob Creek, but I definitely like it and for about $20 it’s one hell of a good deal.
The thing I like most about Jim Beam Black is that it’s approachable and appreciable in any situation. It has a feeling to it that makes me want to share it and drink it with my friends. I don’t want to horde it nor do I feel like I need to be really paying attention to fully appreciate it, but I could if I wanted to. Black is where Jim Beam, starts getting that “it” factor.
Overall Jim Beam Black is just a really good “everyday” bourbon, but it’s not a sit-at-home-and-slowly-savor-it kind of bourbon. It’s a take-it-to-a-gathering-of-people-for-sipping-shooting-and-making-cocktails kind of bourbon. A have-a-glass-or-two-while-grilling-and-watching-the-fights kind of bourbon. It belongs in any environment where you care less about having great bourbon in your glass and more about not having shitty bourbon in your glass.
Jim Beam Black Label Review:
ABV: 43%
Price: $20
Distiller: Jim Beam
Aged: 8 years
EYE

Brownish gold
NOSE
Traditional bourbon nose of caramel, vanilla and spice. Some wood arrives, more than in the white, and it comes across less medicinal and more earthy. Hints of bruleed pastry and a bit of corn and yeast.
TASTE
Caramel and oak followed by vanilla and a robust Jim Beam spice. Citrus, dark fruit preserves and a bit more of that corn and yeast from the nose round out the palate.
FEEL
Smooth and drinkable, it’s very approachable.
FINISH
Watery caramel slowly fades to oak and vanilla.
SCORE: 86/100