Compare
Baker’s 7 Year vs Jim Beam Black
Baker’s 7 Year and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Baker’s 7 Year | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | 7 years |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +21 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$22 – $28 ~$38 less |
- Baker’s 7 Year and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Baker’s 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Baker’s 7 Year Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/3 heat: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
nuttiness 7/6 nuttiness: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Baker’s 7 Year: The gentlest of the Beam small-batch collection despite its 107 proof, thanks to an unusually creamy texture. The peanut note is present but softened, sitting under vanilla and light fruit.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Baker’s 7 Year if you want the Beam character in its smoothest, creamiest form at a real proof point.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Baker’s 7 Year); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).