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Jim Beam Black vs Barrell Foundation Bourbon
On paper Jim Beam Black and Barrell Foundation Bourbon are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$50 – $60) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Barrell Foundation Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +2 yr | 5 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$30 less | ~$50 – $60 |
- Jim Beam Black and Barrell Foundation Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with an older age statement.
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon).