Info:
Jim Beam Black used to have the subtitle “Double Aged” and featured an 8 year age statement. In 2015, Jim Beam removed the age statement from the label and changed its subtitle to “XA Extra Aged.” In mid-2016 Beam went through a portfolio-wide branding shake-up that included new labels and bottle designs. Beam slightly modified the Black’s branding again and dropped the XA, and added a hyphen, and then calling it “Extra-Aged.”
I believe this bottle has been further replaced by the Black 7 Year bottle.
ABOUT THIS BOTTLE
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Jim Beam
Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age: Not Stated
Proof: 86
MSRP: $34.00
Released: 2015
NOSE
A little vanilla pudding, light apple, and light oak. Not much of an alcohol hit as its is just 86 proof. There is a note that I can’t put my nose on but it is a little off putting for me.
Palate
Right when it hit my tongue it is immediately noticeable how thin this is. Most of the flavors/notes I get are very subtle, nothing stands out. Oak and nut is prominent on the palate with hints of vanilla and caramel. Nothing special to savor on, but in no way bad, just a little bit ho-hum.
Finish
Oak, smoky char, and lingering vanilla all with a short finish.
Score: 65
Would I buy again? Not really, not even for a mixer. The notes are just too subdued for my liking. It isn’t “bad” it is just not that impressive.
