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Jim Beam Black vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Jim Beam Black next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | 12 years +5 yr |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$510 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jim Beam Black and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced 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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).