Jim Beam Original

Description

Jim Beam Original is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory. A subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan. It is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world.  Since 1795 (interrupted by Prohibition), seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand, which was given the name “Jim Beam” in 1933 in honour of James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended. Previously produced by the Beam family and later owned by the Fortune Brands holding company, the brand was purchased by Suntory Holdings in 2014.

Jim Beam bourbon undergoes distillation at lower temperatures and is distilled to no more than 62.5%, the White label is aged for four years and has quite a high percentage of rye in the mash bill.  It’s definitely the better bargain there is.

Tasting Notes

Nose: First up is a light caramel bolstered by that unforgettable Jim Beam spice and corn. Deeper in there lie notes of vanilla, citrus zest and red liquorice with a very slight herbal quality to it.

Palate: The flavour and the aroma are remarkably similar, which isn’t always the case with whiskey. The caramel and that unique Jim Beam spice define the flavour of this bourbon. It pulls everything else into place and lets some of the underlying corn, anise, vanilla and citrus zest shine through with some yeast hanging out in the background.

Finish: Toasty oak and resin with some sweetness.

What some of our whisky enthusiast friends have said about Jim Beam Original

Quote 1 “Good for what it is.

I think that a lot of people that give Jim Beam Original a hard time going in with the wrong mindset. You can’t compare this with a single malt or bourbon from a completely different price range. It is what it is, which in this case means a reliable, inexpensive classic bourbon. Will it blow anyone’s mind? Probably not. Is it a good whisky for its price range? Absolutely. If you can afford better then go for it if not then Beam got you covered.  Cheers!”

Quote 2 “I bought a bottle but it has a white cap but never mind that. I’ve had another brand that was okay but when I tasted the one I bought today I couldn’t believe how smooth it is and with no nasty bite. I think I have found my drink of choice from now on. I’m not a drinker but now and again I just fancy a tipple at bedtime. I will sleep soundly tonight.
Thanks very much for this experience and thanks for the beautiful young lady who advertises Jim Beam over here in Wales”

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