Jim Beam Vanilla

To begin, the aroma is completely overwhelmed by vanilla. Any bourbon character or suggestions of the barrel's influence are absent. One might mistake this for a flavored bourbon, but rest assured, it is indeed a liqueur. The texture is syrupy, with a mild mouthfeel and just a whisper of whiskey. It presents more like a bourbon cream than a liqueur infused with flavor. The dominant vanilla assaults the palate, with only the faintest trace of bourbon emerging in the aftertaste. It's exceedingly sweet and lacks depth. The subtle notes that do appear are in the finish and lingering taste, revealing a hint of bourbon and a mere breath of the charred oak barrel. The label suggests enjoying it neat, chilled, in a cocktail, or with cola. Personally, I'd only recommend the last option. Straight up, it's too sweet, and the vanilla is too overpowering for most cocktails unless you're pairing it with a rye, a high-rye bourbon, or a dark rum. However, feel free to do as you please. It functions adequately as a liqueur but wouldn't serve as a bourbon substitute in a drink.

Instead of praising the nonexistent qualities of this complimentary vanilla-flavored liquid abomination from a Jim Beam bottle I bought today, I thought you might prefer to read something beautiful. Find a good book and a fine drink, and steer clear of Jim Beam Vanilla, much like you would an irritating mother-in-law, an unexpected work call, or reality television. You'll appreciate it later. Enjoy.

Just a quick note as I'm at a party with friends and this was available. I decided to try it and see how bad it really is. It's bottled at 35% ABV, chill filtered, and has coloring added, giving it a honey gold appearance. The aroma is dominated by vanilla ice cream, a harsh, alcoholic vanilla ice cream. There's a hint of oak, but it's insignificant. It's excessively sugary, cloyingly sweet, and not in a pleasant way. The initial taste is sweet vanilla ice cream, but it very rapidly shifts to a green olive flavor. It's quite unpleasant and peculiar. Sugary olive brine with vanilla. Sometimes harsh, but always very sweet. This is intended for mixing with Coke or in a sugary, tropical cocktail with coconut. A thin body that feels syrupy and thick. The aftertaste lingers longer than desired, featuring vanilla and olive brine. Don't buy this unless you plan to mix it. Avoid it neat; it's terrible.

From a sample set for the holidays, this is the first one. A brief assessment. Scents of vanilla extract, sweet cream, and candy sugar. This tastes like a fake vanilla cream soda with grenadine. Lingering notes of glazed sugar and white pepper, with some woody tannins. Definitely a mixer. I can't detect the bourbon. If you're seeking a sweet, artificially flavored spirit reminiscent of 90s vodka, this is it. It's made for the masses and isn't meant to be taken seriously. Crafted to be inoffensive and unadventurous. Enjoy it if it suits your preference. [Tasted: 12/2/20]

Noticeably sweet, but not unpleasantly so. From what I understand, this liqueur is a blend of genuine vanilla liqueur and bourbon. Drinking it straight means you won't finish it quickly, but it's a good option to bring to a gathering where others bring wine or beer – something different that those who don't typically drink whiskey might enjoy for a change. Next time, though, I'll follow the advertising and mix it with cola.

It's amusing how the smell isn't much different from a standard bourbon. Vanilla, grain, leather, and wood are present. Maybe a bit more vanilla than typical. The flavor, however, is where it stands apart. It's so heavily vanilla-forward that it becomes excessively sweet, suitable for someone with a strong sweet craving or desiring a dessert.