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Jim Beam Black vs Buffalo Trace
Put Jim Beam Black next to Buffalo Trace and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Buffalo Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$7 less | ~$28 – $35 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jim Beam Black and Buffalo Trace do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Buffalo Trace
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
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 Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace).