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Jim Beam Black vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Put Jim Beam Black next to Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$38 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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 Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 3/7 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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 Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
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 Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).