Jim Beam Extra Aged is yet another bourbon that lost its age statement (was 8 years) in recent times, an unfortunate trend in the bourbon world right now. So where does this Beam Black fit in with existing Beam expressions? Let's find out! Enjoyed neat in a Glencairn, no added water. On the nose, a nice lightly sweet caramel with a bit of vanilla frosting and an oaky backdrop. On the palate, somewhat thin mouthfeel, starts lightly sweet but quickly changes over to a bitter tart. More caramel and vanilla with a bit deeper character than you expect from the lower end Beams, and accented by a bit more oaky char than usual also. Very smooth, with just a little spice and heat. At times I seem to detect a light fruity note but it's not dominate by any means. Probably a good place to start for beginners in the bourbon world or those looking for a nice smooth sip to ease into a session. Finish is somewhat long actually, producing lingering vanilla, some honey, and nice oaky smoky char. The enhanced smoky char is the best part of the sip for me. Overall, a fairly basic Beam bourbon but the extra aging, as is typical of longer aged bourbon, produces a bit more character and depth of flavor. I'd put the Black certainly well above White label and Repeal Batch and on par with Double Oak, but a bit below Devil's Cut (stronger oaky character I prefer), Bonded (stronger Beam peanut funk), and well below Distiller's Cut (just delicious and best Beam expression for the $). So Black falls about mid pack in the Beam bourbon portfolio for me. It's far from bad, just not their very best either. It's a classic bourbon profile really, with caramel, vanilla, and smokiness in spades, but not a whole lot more. It lacks complexity and enhanced spicy fruity or floral notes, but is super smooth and easy to pick apart the classic bourbon profile. I feel like the 43% ABV is hurting this one a bit. Kicked up to 47-50% I think would really bring out the bit of extra aging and take the flavors up a notch. Not bad, but go for Distiller's Cut if budget allows, as it offers so much more feel, flavor, and kick. Cheers!