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Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat vs Jim Beam Black
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a new-wave, wheat-forward craft style versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 53% corn, 39% wheat, 8% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 6 years | 7 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 106 proof (53% ABV) +20 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$22 – $28 ~$28 less |
- Jim Beam Black does 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
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
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Flavor Profile
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/3 fruit: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 2/6 nuttiness: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat: Because wheat makes up a massive 39% of the mash bill, this pour trades the aggressive spice of rye for a softer, oily mouthfeel. Expect bright fruit notes like ripe apricot and lemon on the nose, transitioning to pastry dough, light oak, and a creamy creme brulee sweetness balanced by a mild peppery backbone.
- 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 Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat if you want a softer, fruit-forward, contemporary profile with a richer, oily texture and lower emphasis on traditional oak with more proof behind it.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).