Compare
Jim Beam Black vs W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Comparing Jim Beam Black and W.L. Weller Special Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | W.L. Weller Special Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$20 less | ~$30 – $60 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jim Beam Black and W.L. Weller Special Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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 Special Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 3 out of 10
spice 4/2 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 2 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 7 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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 Special Reserve: The entry point to the Weller line and an easy introduction to wheated bourbon. Soft honey and vanilla with almost no rye bite, a bread-dough body, and a short, sweet finish that asks nothing of you.
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 Special Reserve if you want the softest, sweetest, most approachable wheated pour of the group.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, highball (W.L. Weller Special Reserve).