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Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel vs Jim Beam Black
Put Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel next to Jim Beam Black and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +24 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$22 – $28 ~$38 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- 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
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 8/4 spice: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
heat 7/3 heat: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
- 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 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture with more proof behind it.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).