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Rowan's Creek vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Rowan's Creek and Jim Beam Black reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Rowan's Creek | 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 | 100.1 proof (50.0% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$22 – $28 ~$20 less |
- Rowan's Creek and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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
Rowan's Creek
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Rowan's Creek Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 2/6 nuttiness: Rowan's Creek 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Rowan's Creek 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Rowan's Creek 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Rowan's Creek 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- Rowan's Creek: A small-batch Willett bottling that tastes rye-forward and herbal. Honey and caramel sit under mint, hay and warm spice, with a peppermint lift on the 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 Rowan's Creek if you want an herbal, minty, rye-forward Willett bottling 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, old-fashioned, cocktails (Rowan's Creek); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).