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Jim Beam Black vs Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond
On paper Jim Beam Black and Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (86 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| 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 +3 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$25 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- 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 1897 Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 7 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.
- Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond: The bonded entry in the Whiskey Row series and a noticeable step up in density from the standard 100. More oak and more weight, though the price gap to the 100 proof is harder to justify than the flavour gap suggests.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with an older age statement.
- Go with Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded, denser take on the Old Forester profile with more barrel behind it with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond).