Jim Beam Winter Reserve

Not bad for the price. First toasted barrel bourbon I’ve tried and it was cool to pick up those notes. Pleasant caramel-vanilla nose. Taste the vanilla notes but get more spice than I like in my bourbon. None of the famous Jim Beam peanut notes, unfortunately.

Pleasantly surprising offering from Beam. Highly recommend for a sipper that is a great bang for the buck.

You really have to hand it to Jim Beam, for so many things really, but for being consistent above all else. Their core line adorns the same labeling on the same bottle shape, and holds inside a product that is far undervalued for the price point presented. When I saw this in the store originally, I thought it was a flavored whiskey, given the "notes of vanilla and cinnamon" seen in multiple places on the label. However, a little bit of research debunked this, instead presenting a decent aged bourbon (again, for such a cheap price point, 6 years is quite impressive amongst the overpriced, young craft scene) with a fun, but predictable finish using the toasted oak barrels. The proof is very low, but this is expected from the brand, and given the double barreling, there should be enough difference in flavor present to distinguish itself from the other core lineup. The color is a deep chestnut and warmer than expected for the age, but then I remember the fresh barrel, and even though it was only toasted, this helps to concentrate the inner hue. The proof, however, prevents the color from reaching the edge, and gives a very watery appearance instead. The nose is shockingly very hot and spicy, with initial notes of red berries or even red wine. There's a bit of citrus and toasted baking spices beneath this, but above all else, a spicy, powerful cinnamon really carries the whole thing. Initial sips are weak and a little watery, but the flavor comes through as sweet plantain, bubblegum yeast, cinnamon, and a creamy nuttiness. The finish is dry and spicy, but only a bit hot, not nearly as much as the nose predicted. Repeat sips give more of the same, with the finish stacking in the gums, doubling down on the classic rye spice and flavor notes with each new drink. This Jim Beam variant ends up being exactly what's expected from it: weak and only slightly different than the classic bourbon, but the difference is unique, and absolutely worth the incredibly affordable price. It's a fun bottle to gift around, where the spirit snob can appreciate it being new and unique, and the casual drinker can explore what a toasted barrel finish can do to transform a very average bourbon. All that being said, this is a bit too weak to really enjoy neat, but would be very welcome in any and all cocktails, especially if you're a fan of using bourbon as the backbone for your hot toddies.

The nose is very gentle with charred oak, cinnamon, floral rye spice, molasses and some vanilla to round it all out. The nose is quite gentle and softer than you would like, considering how much the flavor profile is promoted. It comes off as a little thin and maybe not all that much different from your usual Jim Beam. The palate is too soft, but fills the mouth with that charred oak cinnamon floral rye and vanilla that you got on the nose. Except it's not as bold or as full as you would want in order for this to really make an impression. It is indeed great to sip on, but it is too easy going with the flavors that it has on hand. You take a sip, you know what you're tasting and then you move on. It is certainly disappointing if they're going to promote certain flavors and then it only comes across as a gentle touch rather than a full-on punch of flavor. The finish is medium a little spicy with lingering cinnamon while charred oak fades quickly. The cinnamon does last for a decent amount of time, but that's it. Everything else is very much quickly gone. A little disappointing, but enjoyable for a drink that you just don't want to think about And sometimes that's the perfect drink.

From WhiskyFest

Really good Bourbon for the value! Definitely flavors of cinnamon, honey and vanilla. Awesome value bottle @ $25

Drinking straight. On the nose you get a bitter cinnamon and dry vanilla. Thin. Taste adds on the same with a standard Jim Beam bitter oak. Short aftertaste. For the price you can do better and do worse. Definitely ok but the extra aging is really only apparent on the nose. Getting a little bit more sweetness as it goes on. On ice it becomes sort of a bitter tannic mess. Will definitely find its way into some cider or a toddy soon.