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Charles Goodnight Bourbon vs Jim Beam Black
Put Charles Goodnight Bourbon next to Jim Beam Black and you have an uncut, high-rye heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Charles Goodnight Bourbon | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 6 years | 7 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +29 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $80 | ~$22 – $28 ~$53 less |
- Jim Beam Black does 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
Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Charles Goodnight Bourbon Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Charles Goodnight Bourbon: A barrel-strength Texas bourbon. The hot Texas climate pulls a lot of oak in six years, giving deep wood, brown sugar and dark fruit with plenty of rye spice.
- 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 Charles Goodnight Bourbon if you want a bold, oak-heavy Texas bourbon at barrel strength 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Charles Goodnight Bourbon); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).