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Jim Beam Black vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Jim Beam Black and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$40 – $50).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | 10 years +3 yr |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$20 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
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 Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).