Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Bourbon

Nose: Chloroform (or some other sweet-smelling solvent), plywood, pencil shavings, vanilla, mango cream, grilled pineapple, orange syrup, honey, and a faint hint of smoke. Over time, the aroma becomes dominated by orange blossom honey and vanilla. Taste: A sweet and creamy arrival with caramel fudge and light corn syrup flavors. The development introduces a subtle very mild rye spice, vanilla, honey, and oak. The texture is good, but not exceptional, and it can occasionally seem a bit sharp. Finish: Medium. Honey, crème brûlée, and a slightly bitter mocha coffee note. Shortly after the finish seems to conclude, there's an aftertaste of sweet oak. A very smooth, well-balanced, and easy-to-sip bourbon. The sweet and spicy characteristics are harmoniously matched throughout, with fruity and cereal notes providing support. The aroma is fragrant and inviting, and the finish lasts considerably longer than anticipated. There's a vanilla presence in both the aroma and taste that nearly becomes too prominent, becoming more obvious the longer you taste it, but it never reaches an unpleasant level. Overall, I would characterize this as having a "genteel" profile. It truly represents the Jim Beam house style executed perfectly at a low proof, and it wouldn't be wrong to call it a more refined version of Jim Beam White Label. It lacks the spirit and intensity of Jim Beam Bonded (which is the best value from Beam), and it doesn't possess the commanding character of the more expensive whiskies from this distillery. Nevertheless, I am thoroughly enjoying this highly accessible liquor, and it works equally well sipped neat, over ice, with a little water, and even as a long drink with cola - although in the latter form, it becomes a bit too sweet and creamy. However, I am completely baffled by the official rating here, especially considering the official tasting notes, which don't seem to align. A score of 95 is absurd for this whiskey – perhaps it was a typo and meant to be 85? That would be far more believable. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

Color: A deep amber hue. Taste: This whiskey's flavor profile is sophisticated, exceeding the average. It has an oily, creamy texture and is very well-balanced. This is an exceptionally smooth pour, featuring robust oak notes in this 12-year-old expression; it's a harmonious blend where the oak provides the grand finale. I find nothing to dislike about this pour. It's more complex than typical drams, striking a fine balance between sweetness and dryness, leaning towards the sweeter side. No warmth was detected! Detected notes include: Cinnamon, Rye, Apple, Orange blossoms, Freshly cut oak, Abundant Butterscotch/Caramel, Honey, Maple Syrup, Tobacco, Vanilla. The aroma is remarkable. My only minor criticism is that the finish is medium, but overall, it's one of the most enjoyable pours I've had this week! If I can find a consistent source, I'll always keep it in stock!

That familiar Beam aroma, but more intense than typical. Deep caramel and honey notes, smells sweet. The aroma is truly wonderful. On the palate, it's sharp with prominent woody and acidic notes. I detect a hint of coffee and some bitterness. A touch of spice remains. It feels like there's more to it, but it seems restrained, as if the bottle requires some time to aerate and reveal its underlying flavors. 7/26/17 All the previously mentioned characteristics, with pronounced caramel and the addition of buttery bread. The acidic notes are still strong, which, for me, detracts from the experience. 9/25/17 Excellent aroma. This time, I also perceive additional earthy notes in the nose, reminiscent of mushrooms or truffles. The wood notes remain pronounced. On the palate, the sharp acidic bite persists. Hints of turpentine and dark chocolate bitterness are present at the end. 12/16/17

I recently finished this bottle, and it's very good but not exceptional. I genuinely wanted to enjoy this Bourbon and sampled it neat, on the rocks, and in an Old Fashioned. It was pleasant but didn't particularly impress me, especially considering the price. I liked the flavor; it wasn't too harsh neat and opened up nicely on the rocks, but it lacked the full, rounded profile of Henry McKenna BiB or David Nicholson Reserve. While I acknowledge they are higher proof, this Bourbon simply tasted weak. It's not a bad drink, but it's very similar to JB Black or the Repeal Batch, yet more expensive. If I see this on sale, I'd consider buying it again, but at its current price, I'll pass. If you're a fan of Jim Beam products, you'll likely be pleased, but it's just not my preferred Bourbon.

I'm surprised to learn they discontinued this; it's so enjoyable. I'm finally finishing a bottle I've had for a while. Nose: It smells like Beam. Oak, char, and a touch of caramel. Slightly sweeter than your typical Beam. Palate: This is not your standard Beam. It's more complex and very smooth. Notes of caramel and vanilla are quickly followed by oak char. Not excessively spicy, with a sweet undertone. It's truly excellent. Finish: I don't detect much burn, which is a positive for me. It leaves a pleasant oaky aftertaste, but not oily. It vanishes quickly, making you want another sip. If you have the opportunity, definitely try some; it's absolutely worthwhile. I've savored it considerably.

NOSE: Initially, a light corn and salty aroma. A hint of green apple that quickly vanished. After some time in the glass, classic scents of oak, char, caramel, and vanilla began to emerge. PALATE: Light, buttery corn notes continue on the palate, with a dry sensation. I didn't experience the sweetness others mentioned. FINISH: Medium length. The dryness persists in the finish, similar to mouthwash, but in a pleasant way, not overly astringent. There were notes of spice, a gentle warmth, and perhaps a hint of dark chocolate. Some of these flavor profiles are unfamiliar to me or not my preference. Nevertheless, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.