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Jim Beam Black vs Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, wheated blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +2 yr | 5 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$27 less | ~$49 – $55 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jim Beam Black and Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 7 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/5 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon: A Notre Dame-licensed wheater given a second, double-oaked barrel. Maple, honey butter and toasted nuts lead, with charred wood and pepper on a long, warm finish.
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 and without hunting for it.
- Go with Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon if you want a double-oaked wheater with maple, toasted nuts and charred wood with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon).