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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Jim Beam Black reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 | ~$22 – $28 ~$7 less |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
- 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 Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).