Jim Beam Black: 21

Taste: 7 Finish: 8 Color: 3 Aroma: 3
Total: 21

Jim Beam White has always been a middling and harsh whiskey. So, when I saw Jim Beam Black at the same price point as Jack, I figured I'd give it a try. Black has been aged an extra year and the proof has been raised from 80 to 86. It certainly made a difference!

The color is a golden amber. Could use a bit more depth but still nice. Aroma is musky with a whiff of alcohol. Nice but nothing special. Upon first sip, that's when it hits you. This stuff is full of flavor. Bold. Powerful. Certainly not refined. This is not a hint of fruit and a dash of spice type of flavor. This is big earth and wood. So, next I think, boy this is good but with this much punch up front it's going to burn going down. Wrong! Smoooth! I was shocked. A nice warm trail down the throat. So, if you're looking for a sippin' by the fire eating cheese kind of whiskey, this ain't it. But, if you're looking for a bold "saloon" type of whiskey that won't leave you gasping for air, then Black is your man.