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Jim Beam Black vs Penelope Toasted Series
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Penelope Toasted Series is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$55 – $70).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$38 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- 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 Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 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.
- Penelope Toasted Series: Finished in a second, freshly toasted barrel, which pushes it toward toffee, roasted coffee and darker oak. The toast level changes from batch to batch.
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 Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).