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Willett Pot Still Reserve vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Willett Pot Still Reserve and Jim Beam Black reveals a matchup between a modern, even-keeled craft expression and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Willett Pot Still Reserve | 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 | 94 proof (47% ABV) +8 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $60 | ~$22 – $28 ~$28 less |
- Willett Pot Still Reserve and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Willett Pot Still Reserve Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/3 fruit: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/6 nuttiness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
- 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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it with slightly 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, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).