JIM BEAM BLACK (7YR) 90 Proof *GLASS: Neat Glass *COLOR: Auburn 1.5 bordering on Mahogany 1.6 *NOSE: Sweet. Maple, Vanilla, Peanut Brittle, Old Oak. Simple and Straightforward. *NEAT: The sweet notes transfer from the nose, but with a healthy dose of Cinnamon, Black Pepper, and a hint of Cocoa. A tempered Beam Peanut Funk dominates the Backend and Finish. Clingy Cinnamon, Oak, and Vanilla coat and layer the palate. *SPLASH: Vanilla gets more prominent and Cinnamon becomes milder. *VERDICT: The return of an age statement (and a bump in proof!) to Black Label is a surprising and welcome development. At $26, it slots in nicely between the standard White Label ($16)and the 9YR Knob Creek ($39).