With so many whiskey brands releasing new expressions, it’s easy to get caught up chasing the latest and greatest. And yes, I definitely enjoy doing that. But I also want to make sure I’ve covered the classic whiskies that have stood the test of time.
These are the budget-friendly bottles that are still worth keeping on your shelf. Last week I wrote about another classic staple, Evan Williams, and this week we’re looking at Jim Beam Black 7 Years Aged.
As the name suggests, this bourbon is aged for 7 years and features a mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. Let’s get into it.
Nose: oak, vanilla, and sweetness
Palate: caramel, baking spices, oak and vanilla
Finish: Oak, warming burnt sugar, and spices
ABV: 45% | Cost: $42 for a 1.75L (we bought a 50ml bottle for $1.49)
Yup, this is a solid bourbon that delivers a lot of value for the price. Is it going to knock your socks off? No. But it’s readily available, affordable, and versatile enough to enjoy neat or mix into your favorite cocktail.
What you get here is that quintessential bourbon profile: caramel, vanilla, and baking spices up front, followed by oak and a touch of warming burnt sugar on the finish. Nothing overly complex, but everything works well together.
Much like Evan Williams, Jim Beam Black earns its place as a dependable everyday bourbon. You certainly don’t need both on your bar, but each offers a straightforward, no-frills drinking experience at a price that’s hard to argue with. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Cheers!
Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.
