Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Put Jim Beam Black next to Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a sourced, corn-forward blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$68 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- Jim Beam Black and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/8 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/5 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).