Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Jim Beam Black and Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus an old-guard, classically built classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| 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 +3 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$16 – $22 ~$6 less |
- 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.
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond: Arguably the best value in all of bourbon: a bonded 100-proof Kentucky whiskey for under twenty dollars. Straightforward vanilla and caramel with just enough oak, and nothing at all to apologise for.
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 Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded, honest, full-proof Kentucky bourbon for the price of a cocktail.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond).