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Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon vs Jim Beam Black
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a new-wave, wheat-forward craft style versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 4 years | 7 years +3 yr |
| Proof | 87 proof (43.5% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $45 | ~$22 – $28 ~$18 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
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 2/4 spice: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon: A farm-to-bottle wheater from northern Illinois. Soft red winter wheat keeps it gentle and bready, with caramel and vanilla up front and very little bite at 87 proof.
- 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 Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon if you want a soft, easygoing wheated bourbon made start to finish on one Midwest farm.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed rocks, highball, cocktails (Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).