I'm working through some of the entry level bourbons out of curiosity and I find myself at Jim Beam. I smell sugar and alcohol at first, but take a sip and it turns to a sour wood smell. The first sip is woody and unrefined; it tastes like what it is... cheap bourbon. It might be shot worthy, but sipping my way though it I'm not finding much of interest. I can't see using this in any bourbon forward cocktail. Mixing in ginger beer to cover it up seems to emphasize the rougher aspects of this one without improving it. I can't see ever seeking this one out or drinking it as anything more than a shot with a beer when it's the only option.