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Jim Beam Black vs Wild Turkey 101
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Wild Turkey 101 is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by proof (86 vs. 101).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Wild Turkey 101 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$25 – $30 |
- 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.
Wild Turkey 101
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Wild Turkey 101
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 8 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 3 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Wild Turkey 101: The workhorse high-rye Kentucky bourbon and one of the best proof-to-price ratios anywhere. Vanilla and orange up front, then a genuinely spicy, peppery, tobacco-tinged middle that punches well above $25.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with Wild Turkey 101 if you want bold rye spice and real proof at the lowest price of anything comparable.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Wild Turkey 101).