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Jim Beam Black vs Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky

Jim Beam Black and Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$55 – $60).

Key Specifications

Feature Jim Beam Black Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
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) 93 proof (46.5% ABV) +7 proof
Approx. Price 2 ~$22 – $28 ~$33 less ~$55 – $60
  1. Jim Beam Black does not publish an official mash bill.
  2. US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.

AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes

Jim Beam Black

Not rated yet

No notes yet.

Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky

Not rated yet

No notes yet.

Flavor Profile

Jim Beam Black Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
sweetnessspiceoakfruitheatnuttiness

Axis by axis, biggest gap first

nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 8 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 5 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 4 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 1910 Old Fine Whisky: Old Forester given a second barrel, which loads it with dessert notes: toffee, buttercream and milk chocolate over heavy char. Sweet and rich for 93 proof.

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 1910 Old Fine Whisky if you want a double-barreled, dessert-sweet bourbon with heavy char at a modest proof.

Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky).