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Jim Beam Black vs 1792 Small Batch
Jim Beam Black and 1792 Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (86 vs. 93.7).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | 1792 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +8 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$5 less | ~$26 – $34 |
- Jim Beam Black and 1792 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black 1792 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/7 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch).