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Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Jim Beam Black
Put Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon next to Jim Beam Black and you have a blender-built, corn-forward bottling set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 | ~$22 – $28 ~$68 less |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/3 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
nuttiness 5/6 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with more proof behind it.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).