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Jim Beam Black vs New Riff 8 Year
On paper Jim Beam Black and New Riff 8 Year are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$65 – $70) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | New Riff 8 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | 8 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$43 less | ~$65 – $70 |
- 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.
New Riff 8 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black New Riff 8 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 8 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 3 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- New Riff 8 Year: The older, deeper version of New Riff's bonded bourbon. Same 30% rye recipe, but eight years add richer oak and darker sugar while keeping the spice front and center.
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 New Riff 8 Year if you want an older, deeper take on New Riff's spicy high-rye recipe with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (New Riff 8 Year).