Jim Beam Black Label Double Aged 8 Year

So after multiple attempts at writing a review for this Bourbon, I am sitting down and doing it. This is a dependable Bourbon that can be found almost everywhere and is straightforward in its flavor profile, and that is not a negative. I was going to contrast this with JB White Label but while it is in the same family, it is what happens when you let White Label age longer and don't dilute it as much. This is such a solid drink it should be the initial non-wheat bourbon a person being introduced to Bourbon should try. For a wheated Bourbon, consider Makers Mark or Larceny. Jim Beam Black Label is good in everything I have tried it in. Neat, it is drinkable and smooth with classic Bourbon characteristics of vanilla, caramel, and wood. It mixes well with coke and ginger ale. It makes an acceptable Old Fashioned but it doesn't hold up well in it. Overall, this is such a great drink at its price point; I have no complaints. Enjoy.

I tried this out of curiosity at a bar in a small Route 66 motel. Nose: corn and vanilla. Sweet. Feel: oily and drying. First taste neat: as another reviewer mentioned, it's not as sweet as the aroma suggests. Surprisingly smooth. Corn and oak, some vanilla and caramel. Typical bourbon with a bit of spice on the finish. With water: I find it actually becomes a little spicier. The corn is more noticeable, but transforms into a buttery caramel corn. Faint hints of orangey citrus. Finish: medium, spicy, and leaves the mouth feeling dry. Overall, it's not bad. Quite acceptable, for the price. I prefer it neat. I usually like mine a bit sweeter, but I would drink this again. I wouldn't purchase a bottle, but I'd have it at a bar or restaurant.

Classic and wonderful aroma; not overly complex, just good. Vanilla, caramel, baking spice, some Juicy Fruit. Palate follows suit, with even more baking spice. Smooth, with a nice spice towards the end, and a lingering slight acceptable bitterness. The Juicy Fruit reappears at the conclusion. Creamy mouthfeel. Nice warmth, surprising for the proof. 6/19/18

Considering its cost, this is an excellent bourbon. It's clearly superior to the white label version. The aroma presents Jim Beam's signature spice along with hints of smoke and wood. The flavor is less sweet than the original, with notes of charcoal, green apple, and a touch of vanilla. The finish is slightly sharp, yet ultimately long and satisfying.

My favorite offering from Beam. Fortunate to locate some small bottles long after the bourbon was no longer available at stores in my region. The mouthfeel is surprisingly substantial. It has prominent notes of oak smoke and spice. The aroma is corn-based. It's not as sweet as it smells. A delightful surprise, as I don't typically care for Beam products.

Jim Beam Black Label Double Aged 8 Year Bourbon presents a clear, deep-copper appearance. The smell is of sweet corn and some char. The taste consists of those elements, with some dried fruitcake fruit and honeysuckle nectar. The body is medium, and it finishes moderately long. RJT