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Jim Beam Black vs Old Forester 100 Proof
Jim Beam Black and Old Forester 100 Proof are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (86 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$26 – $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.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 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.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
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 Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).