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Jim Beam Black vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$50 – $62).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Woodford Reserve Double Oaked |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$31 less | ~$50 – $62 |
- 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.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/9 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 9 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 8 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating 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.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A second barrel, deeply toasted, and the result is unashamedly dessert-like. Maple and caramelised sugar with heavy wood — polarising if you want restraint, excellent if you want sweetness.
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 Woodford Reserve Double Oaked if you want an overtly sweet, heavily oaked, dessert-leaning bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks (Woodford Reserve Double Oaked).