Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) +4 proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$7 less | ~$28 – $36 |
- Jim Beam Black and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
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 Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch).