Jim Beam Black Bourbon Review - Whiskey in the Van Wednesday

[@michaelwride7842]

I love the fact that you listen to the listeners. Great review, I have tried the white label but now I want to try the black label.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks a lot, Michael. This one is pretty solid - and I meant it: I think this is a solid campfire whiskey!

[@bransonreynolds3936]

My neighbor got me a bottle of this. Very crushable. My dad likes it more than I do because he’s a low proof kind of guy, but it’s solid for what it is.

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

Imagine standing in the middle of a flower shop, and now imagine that it is full of older women wearing way too much perfume,... that is what the Four Roses products that I have had tasted like to me. (Small Batch and Single barrel) I've never had the yellow label. Funny thing is though, every time I hear people describing Four Roses products the single most commonly heard note is "baking spices", and theses are my favorite flavors in whiskey, but I have never really enjoyed any of the Four Roses products that I have tried, and never got any spice out of them either. Weird. As you said, personal preference is a huge factor. (I suspect the fact that we do not all taste things exactly the same has a lot to do with it too)

[@xiamengbaby]

The Jim Beam Black used to be "Double Aged" and stated as 8 years old. It's definitely younger than that now. Not as good as it used to be. Hopefully they'll go back to 8 years, just like Jim Beam brought back the 9 year age on Knob Creek.

[@EffKayFower]

Something of a standby with an interesting history (by which I mean it has changed several times over the years in proof and age statement). I’m not a huge Beam fan but I like finding a dusty JB Black now and again.

[@johncashion8428]

Great job guys! I read all the comments!! I would STRONGLY suggest starting a newby on Basil Hayden’s and Gentleman Jack. You can gentle move them to better and or cheaper things later. Step one (for me anyway) is getting my friends to enjoy a neat pour. Then we can talk and enjoy whiskey together. Remember, whiskey is for sharing!

[@Hylkamania]

Found a handle for $18 at Amazon Fresh. Thought it was a mistake and bought on principle. I had very low expectations but I like this. Ok sipping neat but really good mixed with ginger ale.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Now that’s a deal.

[@robertlear2735]

I moved from Jim Beam White to this Jim Beam Black. Great stuff.

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

In Ohio it's only $20 and it is my daily pour. Great bottle that stands up to a lot more expensive hype!

[@LibertyNotLicense]

I liked the JB Black flavors (especially given it's proof and price) and would always choose it over (what is to my taste) the far more young and peppery 4R yellow label. And... I still say that behind that glow there must be some specialty Kale, wild-caught salmon, and wild blueberries! 😉

[@margiereyesvlog3625]

i like the way you talk about something and support you and enjoy

[@TheBourbonVan]

Cheers, thank you so much Margielyn.

[@TRob_1964]

Great review. Evan Williams black label is very sweet and crushable. If I'm gonna drink Jim Beam the black is preferable to the white label for sure.

[@TheBourbonVan]

We're looking forward to sampling Evan Williams Black Label for a video this coming week. It's been a while.

[@tonyn152]

I'm not a Jim Beam White fan, but I always liked Jim Beam Black, especially in that price range. Good for mixing and you can sip it straight too. What I really liked was the Jim Beam "Distillers Cut" which was out for a while as a limited release, but I can't find it anymore. If you happen upon it, make sure to get some, as it was another under $30 bottle that was really great.

[@Jared40]

This is one of the only Beam products I like 👍🏻🥃

[@tristenl6938]

When I think Beam products I am usually going for Old Grand Dad or Knob Creek offerings. Maybe it is bias but I never think to pick up actual Jim Beam labeled bottles. Thanks for the review and discussion.

[@TheBourbonVan]

White label Jim Beam used to be such a staple on our shelf. It's just so easy to overlook. Cheers, Tristen.

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

A bottle of Jim Beam Single Barrel surprised the the hell out of me last year. It was better than most bottles of Bakers I have had, at less than half the price. I only bought it because a friend of mine was visiting and said JB was his favorite brand. The 108 proof was too much for him so I spent the next couple of months or so sipping on it here and there, and it was pretty good. I have been meaning to buy another bottle of it, but always get distracted by something else.

[@TheBourbonVan]

So easy to be distracted by other bottles.

[@danielmcevoy976]

The single barrel is great

[@tristenl6938]

Adding Jim Beam single barrel to my “look for this list” thanks for the suggestion.

[@wwilson5641]

At that price point,will have to give it a try.Side note,your new t-shirt add popped up,flipping hilarious! I will be getting one of them.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Cheers, Wendell! Red Man is too much of a character to ignore!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I enjoy Jim Beam more than I should, and many people enjoy this one. For me, it was a little lacking. Going to try the Devil's cut next. Cheers!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@Cosmos_Mariner wow, that does sound bad. I have poured a couple over the years, but it is very rare!

[@mttech1995]

Kudos to the Bourbon Van!! Well done on taking time to oblige the subs and do a review on a suggestion by the subs and Patersons. Totally agree with y’all on personal preference and palette. I prefer the Beam profile over the Four Roses, always have. That being said, drink what appeals to your palette, if it’s the yellow label, cheers, if it’s Bean white label, cheers... and so on!!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Cheers, Ed! This Beam bottle currently has a place in the van as we continue to grow more fond of it around campfires.

[@mttech1995]

@@TheBourbonVan .... agree to that! Good campfire whiskey!!

[@harperhellems3648]

Jim Beam is Dave Robicheux's go to drink when he falls off the wagon in James Lee Burke's New Orleans detective series. Can't beat a frosty brew with a Jim Beam back. Old school. It's the right choice at the right time at a righteous price. I like all those Beam expressions at that price range when I'm in a rascally mood.

[@TheBourbonVan]

LOL "rascally mood."

[@ethanallgood9376]

And Four Roses is the bourbon of choice of Philip Marlowe, one of the greatest fictional private eyes, created by Raymond Chandler- “I got a bottle of Four Roses out of the kitchen closet and three glasses. I got ice and ginger ale from the icebox and mixed three highballs and carried them in on a tray and sat the tray down on the cocktail table in from the davenport where Breeze was sitting.” -from The High Window PS: I too used to love a shot of Jim followed by a beer chaser (I was in my 20s, which was in the 1980s, so I can’t attest to the bourbon scene at the time. But, as vodka was at the top of the heap, I’m sure the selection and awareness was nowhere near what it is today). And, coincidentally, I was just yesterday reflecting on my one-time appreciation of Jim Beam, and decided to pick up a pint of white label to revisit it some 30+ years later. I’m happy to report that it still tastes totally decent, if a bit fleeting on the palate. Now, “bring that beer over here, ‘cause I need it to steer.”

[@jaymz7196]

That four roses yellow label was what was recommended to me as my original mixer for whiskey sours. I also like it better than the Jim Beam Black.

[@victorguerin5252]

Great video! love you guys. And love trying various whiskeys. I was always a beer man. But doc says too many calories. I've grown to like whiskey. Just bought a small bottle of this to try. Because of your review. Thanks!

[@TheBourbonVan]

We hope you like it, Victor!

[@xiamengbaby]

Evan Williams just upped the proof from 86 to 90 on their 1783 Small Batch. Said to be aged between 6 and 8 years, and priced around $20 (even cheaper in some areas I have heard). It would be a decent candidate for your list.

[@TheBourbonVan]

We've been keeping our eyes open for it, definitely. The bottle style has changed as well. The old bottle is on sale in Oregon at the moment, but we're holding out for the new one.

[@Haystack777lyle]

It’s the OF funk for me and I like the 86 proof. Never had the JB Black but it sounds similar and now I want to try it. Thanks for the review. Cheers.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Honestly, they're both really pleasant. The JB Black is a bit more brash, but sometimes a little brash is just what we like. Cheers, Lyle!

[@hollisarmstrong5367]

I can always tell its Wednesday when The Bourbon Van pops up on my YT home page! For that price range there are much better options IMO. How about a review of some Texas bourbon? 🥃

[@TheBourbonVan]

We just started seeing it pop up in stores in this part of the country, but it's fairly price-prohibitive. Do you have a recommendation of what you'd like to see?

[@hollisarmstrong5367]

@@TheBourbonVan Garrison Bros. is probably the most popular and very good but overpriced. I love Oak and Eden. Unique but delicious. Ironroot Harbinger. My personal favorite is Still Austin. The Musician and a new Cask Strength. Distribution might be a problem. Anyone would be fine. Happy hunting!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Haha, we have not seen a single one of these. We have Balcones floating around, but it's all priced poorly in our opinion. Sounds like we have some things to keep our eyes out for when we travel south this year. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@johncashion8428]

No. Sounds like you need to get in touch with me and I’ll send you everything you need. I’ve reached out to you more than once. For the record Garrison Brothers will be the best bourbon in the store bar none.... but your going to pay secondary prices at the liquor store. I have all the rest mentioned and would be more than happy to get them to you. The ball is STILL in your court.

[@TheBourbonVan]

@@johncashion8428 we’re traveling so much, it’s really difficult to catch up with mail calls right now. We would love to take you up on your offer when we have the chance to stay put for a while. We’ll also be in Texas for a stretch later this year and we’ll have an opportunity to try these out at the source. We will reach out if/when we have a chance and thanks again.

[@miguelmalave9239]

It's Funny Jim Beam is like one of those Bands that no one claims to like but sold 10 million albums or has millions of downloads. I would love to go through the attic of a whiskey snobs house to find the Jim Beam bottles... LOL

[@TheBourbonVan]

We already added it to our ongoing and growing campfire bottles list. I won't be surprised if this one grows on us a little bit.

[@johncashion8428]

Lol I don’t know how many I have... from store pic single barrels all the way down to white label

[@bo_mccroskey]

I put little bottles of Jim Beam Double Aged in my golf bag for outings. It was one of the first budget bourbons I liked. I find it lacking now, though, especially since it changed from Double Aged to Extra Aged.

[@TheBourbonVan]

I bet that name/aging change made an impact, for sure.

[@bo_mccroskey]

@@TheBourbonVan Yes for sure and also, since Covid, somehow there is a much more diverse and better selection of airplane bottles available now. I'm sure I'll still toss a few in there when the rascally mood strikes.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Peanut-brittle bomb. I like it a lot as a mid-week sipper.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Agreed. We like this one more and more.

[@jefftenore2635]

Used to be my mainstay. Then I expanded my reach and now I lean towards Knob Creek.

[@terrykost4677]

Funny how every thing up the pe-nutty Jim Beam line gets attention and accolades, while these core products get little love. I vote for the 4 Roses too, Julie.

[@ethanallgood9376]

Dear Phil and Julie- Nice assessment of one of the great stalwarts, Jim Beam. I am more familiar with the white label, so can’t comment on the black. But I think I too would go with either Four Roses, or Evan Williams black label, for an entry level price and proof. However, they deserve all due props and respect. The Beams are the first family of bourbon, and, as the world’s bestselling bourbon (for whatever reasons-distribution, marketing, “drink ability”), that too makes it worthy of attention. Coincidentally, I had just yesterday purchased a bottle of Jim Beam White for the first time in over thirty years. So the bourbon stars were aligned, my friends. PS: What came first- the bourbon or the van? PPS: What is that bed music? I can’t get it out of my head! PPPS: We need a Norman cam!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Haha, you're inquisitive! We've been enjoying bourbon for a couple decades, but the van just became a part of our lives in 2018. The music is just a freebie we found on KZbin. We think it's catchy. Norman cam would probably get old real quick. At his age, he's usually in the bathroom or sleeping.

[@chadwallace3598]

Great insight guys 👍🏻

[@victorvieira7469]

Just got a bottle for around $15. Still waiting for it to arrive, but I’m inclined to believe that was quite a steal

[@E_r_i_c_C]

Tribalism. Super word to describe one’s loyalty to a particular bourbon brand. Great review of a Jim Beam product. Cheers!🥃

[@TheBourbonVan]

There are a couple brands we avoid simply because the response is so brutal no matter how we grade them. Cheers, Eric!

[@dozierlester3971]

This was my gateway bourbon, used be in a different bottle with an age statement of 8 years. Miss it, still good though.

[@markjmaxwell9819]

Hard to find a nice $40.00 to $50.00 AU Bourbon in Australia... Jim Beam black label and old virginia are both around $45.00 in Australia....

[@tedsklarchuk5868]

Beam bib is prety good, I prefer to Old Tub.. devils cut is ok.

[@Whiskeytequilafridayspodcast]

Good video. Julie your palate is on point!

[@danielmcevoy976]

I drank this regularly years ago when it was actually 8years. This version is lucky if there's 2 barrels of 8yr in it. It goes flat in the bottle fast for me.

[@jamesnorwood4084]

Thunderbird is screw-top and actually it's down in the alley good juice mama. Can't beat tha price; 50 cent twice! So no ... I don't discriminate against those twist-offs.

[@Bobby_Andrews]

I've never had it, but I hear Jim Beam Bonded is really good. Just can't find it around me to give it a try.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Discontinued here in Oregon.

[@stevenreed007]

I blinded JB Black Extra Aged, JB White, Benchmark, and Ezra Brooks last month. Benchmark placed first with JB Extra and EB coming a close 2nd and 3rd (easily could have flip flopped depending on what I was in the mood for... more oaky flavors with JB and sweeter vanilla flavors with EB).

[@TheBourbonVan]

Hey Steven! That Benchmark has surprised us twice now. That’s good whiskey.

[@stevenreed007]

@@TheBourbonVan yeah, I used to think Benchmark was just crap... but for me, it has stood up to several blinds over the several months. I still prefer higher proof offerings, but when I’m wanting something budget to sip on (like, I’d I just want to veg out to a video game, book, or movie with a pour), Benchmark does the trick. That said, I still usually reach for something nicer just about every time (like an Elijah Craig, 4R small batch, regular Makers or M46, KC small batch, Coopers Craft 100, Yellowstone, OF 100, etc). I’ll even reach for the often overlooked Fighting Cock before I go for Benchmark (FC is brash, youthful, and citrus forward, but I do enjoy it a little more than WT101 and other lower priced stuff). My dad enjoys the navy blue Jim Beam Double Oak, Makers 46, and Clyde May’s a lot... so, when I go visit my parents, I usually take a Beam product with me that he hasn’t had (Legent, Old Tub, and JB Black Extra Aged have been the recent bottles I’ve taken over a couple trips for him to try... plus dozens of other brands). Most of the time, the Jim Beam labeled products (white, black, double oak, etc) aren’t my jam, but when I’m with him, we sip away on the back porch with a cigar and enjoy catching up.

[@TheBourbonVan]

@@stevenreed007 you’re right. For low proof, Benchmark hits the spot. We’re overdue for a bottle of Fighting Cock. Sounds like you have a nice thing going with your dad. Cheers to bonding around a pipe or a cigar and a bourbon.

[@stevenreed007]

@@TheBourbonVan FC isn’t amazing, so temper your expectations hahaha My family and I have always had a great relationship. There, literally, isn’t anything I won’t talk about with my dad (from childhood into adulthood). We didn’t start our whiskey and smoke adventures until about 4 years ago or so. He went to Cuba on a mission trip, and he asked if there anything he could bring back for me. I asked for some coffee (because I LOVE coffee), and he said “I don’t think Cuba is known for their excellence in coffee... it’s usually really dark and burnt” (which he is right, for the most part). To which, I laughed and kinda sheepishly replied, “yeah, but the real thing I want is something you’d probably be put off by. I’d really some authentic Cuban cigars.” He had never smoked cigars (or pipes) until he came back with some Cohibas that we shared. I taught him about cigars, which led him down the path of pipes (I’ve had a pipe for years but never really explored them too much because cigars are just “easier”). He’s now gotten into pipes and cigars (our current favorite cigars are Montecristo white labels and Romeo Y Julieta 1875s), and most of my favorite pipes are ones he’s bought for me for the last couple Christmases and birthdays.

[@stevenreed007]

His first Tequila was several years ago when I came back from Mexico with a reposado I picked up on a mission trip my wife and I took with our church on our 10 year marriage anniversary (we visited an orphanage and helped with manual labor stuff around their complexes, faculties, and homes). I bought the tequila as a special drink to have over subsequent wedding anniversary for a celebratory pour. It is fantastic! So robust with agave and oak. But bourbon is still - by FAR - my favorite liquor... so please don’t boot me hahahaha ;-)

[@davidloomis5840]

Walgreens has it today for 18 bucks .bought 2!!

[@davidshooltz2774]

Have you reviewed Ben Holladay BiB as is yet? Very good pour

[@TheBourbonVan]

Haven't seen it in our travels yet. We hear great things, so hopefully we find some soon.

[@jasonl9084]

How about the Jim Bean Twin Oaked, I think that's the name. Their version of a finished bourbon.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Never tried, but it's on the list. Budget and time keep us from trying it all, but we're doing what we can.

[@peterperez8544]

I think that it is a good mixer with cola but like 4 Roses better

[@4rounder312]

A VGood mixer bourbon: Bourbon smash, bourbon renewel, paper plane, boulevardier

[@philc1884]

I haven't tried the 4 Roses but will be a little less pc on the JB. It's not good. Nothing I would ever choose neat. Ok in a cocktail in a pinch (I know there's worse). From the Beam folks, and just a few bucks more, (yes a higher proof/different drinking exp), but light years better, why not the Knob Creek 9?

[@nfc3po]

I know price varies by location but JB black is about $20 and KC 9 is $35 here. That’s a pretty significant price difference. That’s probably why.

[@philc1884]

@@nfc3po My local guy has the JB 1L for $29 while the KC9 750ml is $32. It is pretty crazy how prices vary so drastically state to state or even store to store.

[@troylisatoole1401]

Why does everyone think those new to bourbon need low proof bottom shelf whiskey to get started? In my honest opinion something like Russell's Reserve 10 year bourbon, Eagle Rare or Makers 46 is a much better choice for those looking to experience the wonderful flavors of bourbon.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Good question, Troy. This video was a direct response to one of our previous videos (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHvJiHaGbsp9hrc). We received a ton of responses from folks suggesting that their entry point to bourbon was Jim Beam Black, which we had never tried before. We totally agree with your suggestions. In fact, Maker's 46 was on our original list for beginners.

[@wilhallman2890]

It's $16.99 for Jim Bean Black here... and $21.99 for the Four Roses.

[@johncashion8428]

I’ll have to read the comments later Four roses Yellow label all day and twice on Sunday over this, bonded and double oak are both better and the Beam Rye is better than all of these listed above

[@jonathanshivel1302]

Its alright, nothing comes close to wild turkey or old grand dad 114 for price

[@freedom7567]

I've been curious, what's in the bottle over Julie's left shoulder. It looks really dark.

[@TheBourbonVan]

There's a 1.75L Eagle Rare back there. That's probably what you're seeing.

[@freedom7567]

Its in a canister on the window sill.

[@TheBourbonVan]

@@freedom7567 oh! It’s Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve.

[@freedom7567]

Thanks , is it as dark as it looks in the video.

[@TheBourbonVan]

@@freedom7567 it definitely gets some additional interaction with the barrel, so it’s dark. I think the white background makes it appear darker, but it’s still darker than most bourbons.

[@harperhellems3648]

People not liking an innocuous, classic, affordable, unpretentious, sippable, dependable, floral whiskey like Four Roses? For shame, Sirs, for shame! If it was good enough for Major Houlihan on M.A.S.H. it's good enough for you maggots. Drop and give me 50.

[@TheBourbonVan]

LOL

[@robertlear2735]

After watching scores of whiskey review, I realized that the KZbinrs are looking for something different that I am. I am looking for drinkability. I don't have any trouble with the alcohol in this whiskey. If you are looking for something that is easy to drink, this might be it.

[@TheBourbonVan]

You're not wrong, but drinkability is a difficult metric to nail down. We enjoy barrel proofs that we think are drinkable, and those same bottles would choke a beginner drinker. It's our goal to provide coherent thoughts on every angle of a whiskey to help others make a decision. In this instance, we were challenged to decide whether this is a suitable whiskey for beginners. We think it is, and we think it's satisfying enough for most palates and situations out there. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all, and we would receive unending blowback if we simply called a bottle drinkable.

[@johncashion8428]

Wow! Well written!

[@TheNewMailman]

Woooo

[@resistancetacticalpreparedness]

If this was at least 90 proof it would be a great bottle