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Jim Beam Black vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | 13 years +6 yr |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +38 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$225 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jim Beam Black and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own 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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with an older age statement and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).