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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Jim Beam Black
Put Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B next to Jim Beam Black and you have a classic, high-wheat stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years +5 yr | 7 years |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$22 – $28 ~$510 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, 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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
- 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 (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).