Hi all. I just received a bottle of JB White as birthday present. I recently discovered (as I'm not that familiar with bourbon) that there's a Jim Beam Black. What's the difference in taste? Is it much better then the white-labeled one? As I kind of liked the one that I got, I was just wondering :)
Sorry if it seems like a "newbie" question, but I am becoming more and more interested in Bourbon whiskey.
/Magnus
I'm not a big fan of bourbon--I've tried to like 'em, but I just don't...straight, that is. Others will post that this ng is not about bourbon--it's not, and most here aren't fond of it. In my case I do like Manhattans, so, for the sake of trivia, I though I'd chime in by mentioning the JB I use (in Manhattans), which is JB *yellow*, a rye whiskey. Anyway, to answer your question, the black is aged 8 years and should be of noticeably higher calibur than the standard label. But I recommend Aberlour A'bunadh above any of the aforementioned.
John
Sorry if I went off-topic. Haven't looked for a bourbon NG ;-) I'm also more into single malts, but it's fun to try out some new stuff on occasion :-) I only use the JB as a mixer anyway.
Not to worry. The focus here is single malt scotch, but any whisk(e)y topic has always been welcome in the six or seven years I've hung around, as are occasional discussions on other alcoholic beverages.
bill
The best advice I've gotten on any liquor has been right here, including proper mixed drinks, cognac, and, of course, single malt scotch. I think even if there were a bourbon ng (I'm not aware of one) I'd still bring my questions here.
My all time favorite JB (and bourbon) is Beam's Choice (green label). Age (and price) is between white and black and it is incredibly smooth. Unfortunately it has not been available in NJ for many years for some reason (PA has it though when I get there). If you can find it where you live, by all means try it.
I also like the yellow label rye, but rye is a different animal than bourbon...
It's been a long time since I compared them directly, but I think Black JB is considered much better than White.
drewfx
On 7 Aug 2005 13:45:39 -0700, the alleged MagnaWolf, may have posted the following, to alt.drinks.scotch-whisky:
Hello.
There sure is, there's even two Jim Beam's with a white label. The bog standard is a four year-old Bourbon, it's not bad stuff but it's not exceptional in any way. The other "White label" is a seven year-old, it's pretty good, but there are other Bourbons in that price range that are much better, such as Buffalo Trace, Henry McKenna and Four Roses. The Jim Beam Black Label is an eight year-old that's been bottled at
86 proof (43% ABV, as opposed to the white labels which is 40% ABV).It has a bit more oak and smoke taste.
In the case of the four year-old version, yes it's much better; in the case of the seven year-old version, it's a bit better neat, but if its been mixed with anything but a few drops of branch water I doubt that most people could tell any difference.
In that case you should try to get a bottle of Buffalo Trace, it's one of my favorites, reasonably priced and has a slightly musty taste that I really like. Another suggestion is Henry McKenna, it is spicier and slightly sweeter than most Bourbon whiskey.
Regards, Rob
Buffalo Trace Henry McKenna
It seems that I can't get a hold of those here in Sweden :-(
I might purchase JB Black next time though. Thanks for the tips :-)
I really agree about Buffalo Trace, great stuff. In that price range also go for Elijah Craig 12 YO and W.L. Weller 12 YO, both outstanding.
It seems, after a little research, that I can get a hold of Buffalo Trace after all. Just have to place it on special order from my local purveyor :-)
Another great Bourbon on the cheap is Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year Old. Not to be confused with 10 Star which I have never tried so I cannot comment on it.
On 10 Aug 2005 12:39:20 -0700, the alleged MagnaWolf, may have posted the following, to alt.drinks.scotch-whisky:
You'll not be disappointed. And DrinkyBanjo was correct about the Ancient Ancient Age, it's pretty good stuff, not as good as the Buffalo Trace or Henry McKenna, but better than the 7YO White label Beam, maybe a bit better that the Black Label Beam on a bang-for-buck basis.
In my opinion the Henry McKenna Special Reserve (bottled in a stoneware jug) is the best of "mid-priced" Bourbons, with the Buffalo Trace in a close second place. The bog-standard Henry McKenna is in third place.
Some of the better values in higher-end Bourbons are Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek and Bookers. The Woodford Reserve is a fine sippin' whiskey, the Knob Creek might need a splash of branch water, but the Bookers will defiantly need more than a splash of branch water (the last bottle I had was 63% ABV). Maker's Mark is pretty good, but overpriced in this area (Kentucky) due to all too many special bottlings and the export market. I don't like the Blanton's offerings much myself, as I find them to be a bit too dry, however many of my friends and acquaintances find them very palatable.
Regards, Rob "Bourbon snob" Crowe
How much is Maker's Mark in your area? That is my personal favorite, and I pay about $20 for a bottle of it.
On Fri, 12 Aug 2005 06:04:55 -0700, the alleged Robert Anderson, may have posted the following, to alt.drinks.scotch-whisky:
Three years ago they sold tens of thousands *EMPTY* bottles for more than they would have cost had the been filled simply on the collector's value. If a limited edition of a *EMPTY* FSCKing bottle is worth more than a filled bottle I'm going to question the value of the product. Is it expensive because of it's limited production, or is it's limited production the reason for it's expense.
Anyway it costs about US$24-$27 locally, way too expensive, what with, Four Roses at $14, Henry McKenna at $15, Buffalo Trace at $17 and the Henry McKenna Special Reserve at $18. I'm of the opinion that the hand dipped wax seal adds at least ~$1 in cost to each bottle produced.
I find it a bit harsh and dry, the sweeter Bourbons are more to my taste. Don't get me wrong, Bill Samuels' distillery produces a very fine whisk(e)y, but it's not markedly (heh, heh) better than many of the other Bourbon's that are readily available in central Kentucky.
Regards, Rob
What continually impresses me in this NG is the in-depth knowledge of the folks that contribute in a productive way. The high class folks just keep blowing me away. Where else can you get the kind of discussion that you get here about a full cross section of items in an industry that many would consider sinful and a waste of money (I know not one individual here feels that way, of course, except maybe the generator of THE LIST!!). Keep up the great work by allowing me to continue to learn (and drink) some of the finest Single Malt (my favorite group within the industry) that money can buy.
DaveS
A great big "I AGREE" here. The price performance of the Elijah craig 12 is outstanding. It is my economy daily bourbon. For a higher price give the Elijah Craig 18 a try...smooooooooooth! It is my favorite bourbon in a heads on tie with Booker's reserve.
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