Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Maker's Mark
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Maker's Mark reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Maker's Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$25 – $32 |
- 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.
Maker's Mark
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Maker's Mark
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Maker's Mark 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Maker's Mark 8 out of 10
spice 4/2 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Maker's Mark 2 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Maker's Mark 4 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Maker's Mark 4 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Maker's Mark 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Maker's Mark: The bottle that made wheated bourbon mainstream. Soft, sweet, and deliberately low on spice and oak, with baked bread and honey doing most of the work. Consistency is its real feature.
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 Maker's Mark if you want a reliably sweet, low-spice wheater that is easy to find and easy to drink.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, cocktails, highball (Maker's Mark).