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W.L. Weller Full Proof vs Jim Beam Black
W.L. Weller Full Proof and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | W.L. Weller Full Proof | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) +28 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $120 | ~$22 – $28 ~$60 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- W.L. Weller Full Proof and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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
W.L. Weller Full Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
W.L. Weller Full Proof Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/3 heat: W.L. Weller Full Proof 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: W.L. Weller Full Proof 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: W.L. Weller Full Proof 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: W.L. Weller Full Proof 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- W.L. Weller Full Proof: Weller's wheated bourbon bottled at its barrel-entry proof of 114, without chill filtering. Coffee cake, caramel and cinnamon with a bold, warming body.
- 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 W.L. Weller Full Proof if you want a bold, sweet wheater bottled at barrel-entry proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- 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, rocks, old-fashioned (W.L. Weller Full Proof); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).