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Jim Beam Black vs Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Jim Beam Black and Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus a new-wave, wheat-forward craft style.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +3 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 87 proof (43.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$18 less | ~$40 – $45 |
- 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.
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10
spice 4/2 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 2 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 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.
- Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon: A farm-to-bottle wheater from northern Illinois. Soft red winter wheat keeps it gentle and bready, with caramel and vanilla up front and very little bite at 87 proof.
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 Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon if you want a soft, easygoing wheated bourbon made start to finish on one Midwest farm.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); rocks, highball, cocktails (Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon).