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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Jim Beam Black
On paper Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Jim Beam Black are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$50 – $60 vs. ~$22 – $28) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 7 years +2 yr |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$22 – $28 ~$30 less |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- 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 Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).