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Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon and Jim Beam Black reveals a matchup between a modern, wheated craft expression and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 5% rye, 25% wheat | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$22 – $28 ~$25 less |
- Jim Beam Black does 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
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 2/6 nuttiness: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon: An organic, wheat-heavy bourbon from a Michigan craft distillery. It stays round and caramel sweet on the palate with a peppery edge, while the nose is quiet and still a little young.
- 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 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon if you want an organic, Midwest craft wheater with a round, caramel-forward body.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).