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Jim Beam Black vs Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | 8 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 110.8 proof (55.4% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$115 less | ~$130 – $150 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jim Beam Black and Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/8 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 8 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 8 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 6 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13: Bardstown's annual blend of older sourced bourbons. Rich and dessert-like, with creme brulee, toffee and dark fruit over peppery oak.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going without hunting for it.
- Go with Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13 if you want a rich, dessert-like annual blend of older Kentucky bourbons with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat (Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #13).