(
Label Shown of White)In a recent independent study, the Beverage Testing Institute rated
Jim Beam Black® highest among leading North American whiskeys for its overall nose, depth of flavor and finish. Every barrel is aged 8 years to achieve a full 86 proof and distinctive character that anyone can respect.
2005 Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated Jim Beam Black Superb (90-95) Highly recommended in the
American Whiskey category of the
Top 60 Spirits for 2003. Jim Beam meets the requirements for being bourbon: its mash is over 51% corn, and it is stored in new charred oak barrels for longer than the national requirement of 2 years (the required maturation time to be called "straight bourbon"; "bourbon" has no required maturation time). Jim Beam uses rye and barley to fill out its grains.
Like many bourbons, Jim Beam uses a portion of a prior run to create a better environment for the yeast in the new run. This is known as "
sour mash", as this process is much like how sourdough bread is made. The standard white label Jim Beam whiskey pours a light amber color.
A detailed history of Jim Beam can be found in F. Paul Pacult's book American Still Life: The Jim Beam Story and the Making of the World's #1 Bourbon.
The Jim Beam distillery is part of the
American Whiskey Trail.
Kid Rock references: Jim Beam in I Am The Bullgod: "I never was cool with James Dean / But I be hangin' tough with my man
Jim Beam."
Recently the company has come out with Beam Soaked Sunflower seeds and jerkey. They come in 3 flavors; Original, Barbeque, and Jalapeno.
Robby Gordon drives the number 7 Jim Beam in the
NASCAR Nextel Cup.
