Jim Beam Bourbon 375ML is a 40% ABV (80 proof) Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged four years in new charred American oak barrels. A Gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it remains one of the best-selling bourbon labels in the world, backed by nearly two and a half centuries of family distilling tradition. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA | Age: 4 Years | Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. Production & Heritage The James B. Beam Distilling Co. traces its roots to 1795, when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of corn whiskey in Kentucky. Now under the ownership of Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory), the distillery in Clermont continues to produce Jim Beam using a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. One of its most closely guarded assets is a proprietary yeast strain that has been in continuous use since the end of Prohibition in 1933—Jim Beam himself reportedly took a jug of the yeast home every weekend for safekeeping. After distillation in column stills, the spirit matures for a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels, meeting the legal standard for a straight bourbon designation. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with Jim Beam's signature graininess and sweet corn, followed by soft vanilla and a light oak underpinning. A subtle fruitiness lingers beneath, lending a rounded, approachable bouquet. Taste: On the palate, brown sugar and caramel arrive first, settling into a mid-palate of maple sweetness and gentle rye spice. The mouthfeel is intentionally soft and smooth, with honeyed corn notes bridging the sweet and woody elements. Wine Enthusiast scored this expression 85–89 points, noting its "lovely, sophisticated bourbon bouquet" and fruity, oaky vanilla character. Finish: The finish is medium in length, mellow rather than bold, with corn and vanilla carrying through to the end. A faint charred-oak dryness provides a clean close that invites the next sip. How to Drink Jim Beam Jim Beam's smooth, lower-proof character makes it equally comfortable neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water to open up the caramel and vanilla notes. Its real strength, however, is as a versatile cocktail bourbon. In an Old Fashioned, the brown sugar and oak backbone respond well to bitters and a citrus peel. A Bourbon Highball pairs the corn sweetness with soda water for a refreshing, sessionable serve. And in a Whiskey Sour, the soft vanilla and caramel balance fresh lemon juice without fighting for dominance. Best For Building a well-stocked home bar with a reliable mixing bourbon Introducing a friend to straight bourbon whiskey for the first time Taking along to a cookout, tailgate, or casual gathering in the convenient 375ml format Practicing classic bourbon cocktail recipes without committing to a full-size bottle Frequently Asked Questions What does Jim Beam taste like? Jim Beam leads with caramel, vanilla, and sweet corn, followed by light maple and a gentle rye spice, finishing smooth with a touch of charred oak. How does Jim Beam compare to Evan Williams Black Label? Both are four-year-aged, 80-proof Kentucky straight bourbons positioned at the value end of the category, making them direct competitors on most shelves. Evan Williams tends to lean slightly heavier on oak and char character, while Jim Beam emphasizes corn sweetness and a softer, more approachable palate driven by its proprietary yeast strain. Is Jim Beam good for cocktails? Jim Beam is one of the most widely used bourbons in cocktails due to its balanced, smooth profile at 80 proof, which blends easily without overpowering other ingredients. Where is Jim Beam made? Jim Beam is produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Bullitt County, Kentucky, a facility the Beam family has operated in one form or another since 1795. What foods pair well with Jim Beam? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred-oak notes. Sharp cheddar cheese mirrors the caramel sweetness. Pecan pie amplifies the brown sugar and vanilla character. Grilled corn on the cob echoes the corn-forward mashbill. Dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the subtle spice. What sizes does Jim Beam come in? Jim Beam Bourbon is widely available in 375ml, 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats, making the 375ml a convenient half-bottle option. Is Jim Beam worth the price? Jim Beam positions squarely as an entry-level Kentucky straight bourbon, and its Gold medal pedigree and consistent four-year aging deliver solid quality within the value tier of the category. Why Jim Beam? What separates Jim Beam from the crowded field of budget bourbons is consistency rooted in a specific, irreplaceable ingredient: a proprietary yeast strain safeguarded by the Beam family since 1933. That biological continuity gives the whiskey a signature grain-forward sweetness that competitors working with different yeast cultures simply cannot replicate. Combined with a straightforward four-year maturation in new charred oak and a classic high-corn mashbill, the result is a bourbon that has earned Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and strong marks from Wine Enthusiast. For a 375ml bottle, it represents an accessible entry point into one of American whiskey's oldest and most recognized distilling lineages.
