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Jim Beam Black vs Old Forester Statesman
Jim Beam Black and Old Forester Statesman are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$50 – $55).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$28 less | ~$50 – $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 Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/7 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
nuttiness 6/2 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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 Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
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 Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).