Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Put Jim Beam Black next to Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a sourced, corn-forward blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$53 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- Jim Beam Black and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea do not publish an official mash bill.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 Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 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 Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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 Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).