Advertisement

Jim Beam White Label Bourbon

IN-DEPTH REVIEW

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: Beam Suntory

Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery

Released: Ongoing

Proof: 80

Age: 4 Years

Mashbill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

Color:  Light Gold

MSRP: $15 (2017)

Official Website

Jim Beam white label is Beam’s flagship bourbon and their best selling product.

NOSE

Corn, light fruit and alcohol pretty much sum the nose up on this one. It's basic with no depth.

palate

Typical bourbon flavors of caramel and vanilla. Tiny amount of fruit and honey. Very ho-hum palate with weak flavor all around.

finish

Smooth mellow finish with medium length. Corn and vanilla are present but overall the finish leaves little impression on you.

uniqueness

It's hard to find anything unique about this bourbon. If it wasn’t for the brand’s long history and strong marketing technique, it would likely be a flop if coming onto the market today.  But before the pitchforks come out, let me back up my point. Jim Beam white label isn’t meant to be unique. It’s mellow, low proof and low cost for a reason: so as many people can enjoy it as possible. There’s nothing inherently bad about the bourbon. It’s designed for any level of bourbon drinker, or for that matter any alcohol drinker, to not be offended by the taste. That is why you see it in every bar in America.

value

Jim Beam is a budget bourbon pure and simple. Probably more times than not, it’s where many people start their bourbon journey. Its low proof and price make it a great place to start. For people who want to make whiskey mixed drinks, low price is often the number one thing they’re looking for. If we’re going to critically look at this bourbon though, then all of the bourbon’s attributes must be examined. Its mild flavor, lack of complexity and low proof point don’t make it a great sipper. There are many fantastic bourbons on the market for $5 dollars more. At just $10 dollars more, there are many bourbons that are light years ahead of this.

overall

A starter bourbon that mixes well, but is boring as a sipper.

With Jim Beam white label, it all comes down to what you’re looking for. Compared to other budget bourbons, it’s probably one of the best inexpensive bourbons on the market. Many people are also probably planning to mix it with something else. If you’re someone that doesn’t want to have a strong bourbon taste in your mixed drink, Jim Beam is your bourbon. Its mellow flavors will probably blend well with just about anything. But, if you’re someone that wants to sip their bourbon and enjoy its finer points, Jim Beam white label is not your bourbon. This is why Jim Beam also sells their Double Aged and Single Barrel, not to mention their small batch series. Again, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a bourbon and how much you want to spend.

The sample used for this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy its respective company. We thank them for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
360 video

Written By: Eric Hasman

August 6, 2014
photo of author
Available at these retailers
COMMENTS
Jim Beam White Label Bourbon
Also Check out
No items found.
Reviews By This Author
Recent Reviews
Recent Articles
  • Exclusive Content
  • new content summary
  • bourbon in the news
  • social media roundup
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyEthics PolicyCommenting Policy