Compare
Jim Beam Black vs E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Put Jim Beam Black next to E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ~$43 less | ~$45 – $90 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jim Beam Black and E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 6 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.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch: Bottled-in-bond from the same low-rye Buffalo Trace recipe, and the extra 10 proof over standard BT gives it noticeably more grip. Butterscotch and tobacco with a long, drying finish that outlasts most bottles near its shelf price.
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. Small Batch if you want the Buffalo Trace house profile with real structure and a bonded 100-proof backbone.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch).