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Jim Beam Black vs Four Roses Small Batch Select
On paper Jim Beam Black and Four Roses Small Batch Select are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (86 vs. 104) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Four Roses Small Batch Select |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +1 yr | 6 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +18 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$35 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- 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.
Four Roses Small Batch Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Four Roses Small Batch Select
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/8 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 8 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 7 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Four Roses Small Batch Select 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.
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: Six recipes, non-chill-filtered, at 104 proof, and the most complete thing Four Roses makes at a normal price. The house fruit character with enough proof and texture to carry it.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with Four Roses Small Batch Select if you want the fullest expression of the Four Roses fruit-forward style without chasing an allocated bottle with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks (Four Roses Small Batch Select).