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Four Roses Bourbon vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Four Roses Bourbon and Jim Beam Black is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by proof (80 vs. 86).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$22 – $28 |
- 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
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/6 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
- 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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).