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Jim Beam Black vs E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Comparing Jim Beam Black and E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$80 less | ~$70 – $140 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jim Beam Black and E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel do not publish an official mash bill.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.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel: Single barrels from the warehouse Colonel Taylor built, bonded at 100 proof. More oak and more concentration than the small batch, and one of the most sought-after regular releases Buffalo Trace makes.
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 E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel if you want the most concentrated bonded expression of the Buffalo Trace profile, and the hunt does not deter you with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat (E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel).