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Jim Beam Black vs W.L. Weller Full Proof
Jim Beam Black and W.L. Weller Full Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus an old-guard, wheat-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | W.L. Weller Full Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 114 proof (57% ABV) +28 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$60 less | ~$50 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jim Beam Black and W.L. Weller Full Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
W.L. Weller Full Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black W.L. Weller Full Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/7 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 7 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 8 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 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.
- W.L. Weller Full Proof: Weller's wheated bourbon bottled at its barrel-entry proof of 114, without chill filtering. Coffee cake, caramel and cinnamon with a bold, warming body.
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 W.L. Weller Full Proof if you want a bold, sweet wheater bottled at barrel-entry proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (W.L. Weller Full Proof).