Jim Beam white label

[blade08]

Some time ago I started my journey into the world of Whisk(e)ys. To find out what I like best I started off with a bottle of Bushmills 10 yo Irish single malt whiskey. I then moved on to a Scotch; Highland Park 12 yo single malt. Now I am on the Bourbon track and recently bought the obvious bottle of Jim Beam white label. For now, if I had to make a top-3 it would be;

1. JB
2. Bushmills
3. Highland Park

I seem to prefer a more sweet taste over the smokiness of a Scotch. In fact, I like the cheapest of the three the best.

I know that JB is not considered a 'connoisseur' Bourbon but I like it a lot for what it is. What's you're verdict on JB white label and what would be a step up from JB when it comes to good bourbons?

 

[BigRich]

Honestly, I can't stand the stuff. Four Roses Yellow Label, Knob Creek, Elmer T. Lee, Buffalo Trace, W. L. Weller, and Old Rip Van Winkle among others, will all get you a much better bourbon experience without breaking the bank.

 

[stobes21]

If you want to start with higher quality offerings from the same distillery look to the following brands:

Booker's, Baker's, Basil Hayden and Knob Creek.

And yes, I stole that list directly from Robert Paulson in the Bourbon,Bourbon,Bourbon thread. Lots of good recommendations there.

You could also jump in to the Spirit of the Month for Oct. and pick up a bottle of 4 Roses.

 

[Commander Quan]

If you like it drink it up, chances are once your pallet adjusts to the taste of whiskey or you'll be able to drink some of "better" stuff and appreciate it more. As far as some other stuff I love Knob Creek, also distilled by Jim Beam, it's tasty.

 

[Yorkie]

Highland Park isn't my first choice in whisky though the distillery is very nice (managed to pick up a set of 4 whisky tumblers for 1/2 price when I was lucky enough to spend a week in Orkney on holls). There are many types of Scottish whisky to suit different palates. from strong peaty Islay malts to heathery light highland malts.

Irish whiskey is a lot smoother, though Ive only tried Bushmills. I've also tried pochine which is a beast in itself...

The only American whisky I've tried is JD and tbh I'm not struck.

 

[texbilly]

As much as I love Knob Creek, my favorite "well" bourbon is Jim Beam. Much better, even with the sweetness, than any of the common Jacks. Enjoy it!

 

[TimmyBoston]

Definitely check out more bourbons there are many, many much better bourbons out there than JB white.

For your next bottle check out Buffalo Trace. You'll like it.

 

[Luc]

I also dislike Jim Beam white. I didn't try any other JB so far. Maker's Mark or Elijah Craig is a better investment IMO.

 

[bigred90gt]

I tend to prefer Bourbons over other types of whiskey. I took a liking to Beeam from an early age being that it is what my dad drank. I still have a bit of it every now and then.

Knob Creek is a good one, as is Makers Mark. Right now, I've got a bottle of Weller and a bottle of Wathens in my cabinet.

I've gone through many bottles of different bourbons, but Beam will always hold a place with me.

 

[falkon]

I am a bourbon man myself. While I prefer some of the better (IMHO) bourbons such as Mitchers, Eagle Rare, etc. I will grab JB white if I am somewhere "remote" and mixing(sours,bourbon and coke, etc) with the guys. IMHO Evan Williams is far better and even cheaper but it is not quite as easily available. It's not wretched but it ain't great, and it will do in a pinch!

 

[Ken]

Actually, the next step up in Beam products is Beam Choice (green label), which I have not seen. After that there is Jim Beam Black, which is eight years old (White is four and Choice is five) and widely available. It is an excellent bourbon and less expensive than the specialty products such as Knob Creek or Bakers.

Ken

 

[wedwards]

I used to like it when I was younger but drank waaaaaay too much of it on a regular basis for a few years and kinda went off it eventually. It was a good with-cola bourbon, and not too sweet (like Jack).

Should go back and check it out again.....see if my stomach can handle it again

 

[Jwolf24601]

Beam is my go to for Mixers, even straight I like it much better than Jack.

Try the Black label, it's nice and still inexpensive.

Still can't believe you'd put it ahead of 10yr Bushmills

 

[LeverTime]

Haven't tried the white, but I like the black label, I think it is very good in its price range. I dislike Knob Creek though, so my opinion might not mean much...

 

[PaulX608]

I'm not much for the Knob Creek either. I prefer Woodford Reserve or Blanton's for Bourbon.

 

[Argonaut]

JB was my first foray into bourbons. It's a nice drink, then I found Evan Williams black and I haven't looked back. Can't beat the quality for the price!

 

[jwhite]

JB is a good mixing bourbon but not something I really like neat, for that Knob Creek is my goto and my favorite is Bookers.

 

[Torcams]

As a few have already stated, the Black label is fine stuff for the price. Far better than the white for drinking straight IMO.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Try the Black label, it's nice and still inexpensive.

For the average priced stuff, I love the JB Black. Very mellow stuff. JD is actually pretty good also and Gentleman Jack is even better. Overall though I think Wild Turkey 101 is the best bourbon you can get for a decent price (plus if you're on a budget...college...*cough*... the extra proof is an incentive). Superbly smooth, much smoother than any of the average 80 proofs. YMMV

1) WT 101
2)Gentleman Jack
3)Jim Beam Black
4)Jack
...
?) Jim Beam Green
...
?)Jim Beam White (not a good whisky IMO)

To clarify, what I mean by "average" is the middle shelf stuff. Still in a glass bottle, but usually less than $30/fifth.

 

[Clay]

My grandfather drank nothing but Jim Beam, and they sell a lot of it, so it must be good to alot of folks.

My preference is Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark if I'm at a bar. Most places will carry these two products, and they beat Jack Daniels or Old Crow any day of the week.

At home I've been drinking Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey Rare Breed neat, and for mixing I've been using George Dickel No. 12 (Tennessee Whiskey), Evan Williams Bonded, and Wild Turkey 101.

Bulleit and Jim Beam Black are also pretty good, but a bit overpriced to me.

Fighting **** and Old Grandad Bonded are good buys.

Best buys - Old Forester Signature 100 proof, Evan Williams 1782, Buffalo Trace, W.L. Weller Special Reserve, and Evan Williams Bonded.

For Scotch, my favorite is Dewar's White Label. The best of the blends IMHO. Much better than J&B and Cutty Sark.