Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Put Jim Beam Black next to Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Elijah Craig Toasted 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) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +8 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$45 less | ~$60 – $80 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jim Beam Black does 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.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/9 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/5 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: Finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel, which produces an unmistakable toasted-marshmallow note. Sweet and heavily wooded, and one of the more distinctive finishes any major producer 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 Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel if you want a distinctive toasted-oak, marshmallow-sweet finish you will not find in a standard bourbon with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel).