Jim Beam Bonded Bourbon

Spiced, sweet, and smooth.

A step up from any comparatively priced Beam bourbon--better than the White Label, the Black Label, Devil's Cut, the Double-Oaked (etc., etc.,)--and yet it stil just doesn't quite work for me. Enjoyable enough, but the quirks of the Beam flavour (oh, you peanut-y funk) mean that it doesn't actually play particularly well in any of the settings where you might otherwise want a bonded, 100 proof bourbon. In other words, the flavour is just too idiosyncratic: it spoils Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds alike with that leathery, Beam-y, earthy, peanut-y funk. Flavours throughout of caramel, honey, vanilla, and oak. Creamed corn sweetness, mint, cinnamon-spice and leather and nuts. And a decent body, though a short finish. Palatable on the rocks if you don't want to think about your drink (though you will always think, "yup, Beam."). But as an experience that comes together and offers something compelling, it just doesn't really work. If you're Beam loyal, my advice is this: go up a price-bracket for sipping whiskey (Knob Creek, Baker's, Booker's) or make a lateral move for a cocktail whiskey in Beam's unsung Straight Rye (which is much more lively, with spicy flavours and a sweetness that help balance the Beam funk--it's the real unsung hero of the family). And if you're desperate for a bottom-shelf "shot-and-a-beer"-type combo? Well, respect your elders Old Grand-Dad and Old Overholt.