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Jim Beam Black vs Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years +3 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$16 – $22 ~$6 less |
- Jim Beam Black and Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 6 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.
- Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond: A bonded 100-proof bourbon at a price that barely seems possible, though distribution is patchy outside Kentucky. Unremarkable in the best way: it does everything a bourbon should and nothing extra.
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.
- Go with Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded Kentucky bourbon for under twenty dollars, if you can find it in your state with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond).