Next up for our tasting is Jim Beam White Label. Yes that’s right, Jim Beam. Not much to say about JB that most of you don’t already know. Available everywhere spirits are sold in a screw top very recognizable bottle with the white label. This is the flagship brand of Beam, 80 proof, aged at least 4 years and goes for around $21.
Almost all Bourbon drinkers have had Beam at least once in their life. The bottle says that it is the world’s number one Bourbon. Unless they are referring to total sales, call us skeptical.
NOSE
Ron: Very slight aromas of spice, yeast, banana, and some kind of weird cooked veggie smell.
Todd: I agree with the nose being slight, and with the banana like smell. I got a little bit of a nutty aroma and what I can only describe as white cake.
TASTE
Ron: I tasted the yeast and spice that I got on the nose as well a little hint of anise. Not a lot going on.
Todd: I thought it was a little rough for being only 80 proof. The only thing that I detected on the taste was the same white cake that I got on the nose.
FINISH
Ron: Medium finish with some vanilla and a strong medicinal taste.
Todd: Medium finish with some sweetness and a little spice.
OVERALL
Ron: Somewhat balanced, but not really the flavors I enjoy. It is what it is, for $20 plus, give me Old Fitz or Special Reserve any day.
Todd: Balanced? I guess, if you consider no nose, no taste and no finish as balanced. I got sick on JB a long time ago, and swore I would never drink it again. But then I realized if I used that logic, there wouldn’t be much for me to drink.
Nose 3 out of 5
Taste 5.5 out of 10
Finish 2.5 out of 5
Total 11 out of 20 Barrels
We know a lot of people like Jim Beam, it is a huge seller, to those we are sorry for the low score. But we just don’t get why it is so popular. It is not near the cheapest Bourbon, in fact it is almost too expensive to mix with soda, and too bland for a traditional bourbon cocktail. It is nowhere near the best tasting one at that price range. Since it is a low proof Bourbon, you are also paying for more water. Hell, even the bottle is boring.
As for what is better at the same or lower price, read our reviews. As for JB being the world’s number one Bourbon, they better be talking about total sales.