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Jim Beam Black vs Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Put Jim Beam Black next to Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against an uncut, high-rye heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | 7 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 115.2 proof (57.6% ABV) +29 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$38 less | ~$60 – $65 |
- 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.
Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 8 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 3 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year: Penelope's uncut flagship, now with a seven-year age statement. It is richer and spicier than the Four Grain, with caramel and rye spice carried by a lot of 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 Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year if you want a well-priced, seven-year, uncut blend with real depth and spice with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year).