Compare
Jim Beam Black vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +3 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +39 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$45 less | ~$65 – $75 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jim Beam Black and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/9 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
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 and without hunting for it.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).