As a whiskey enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for new and interesting offerings in the world of bourbon. Recently, Jim Beam released their Single Barrel Bourbon at a higher proof of 108 and caught my attention. Intrigued by the promise of a bolder taste, I decided to dive in and explore this new addition to the Jim Beam family.
Jim Beam has been a staple in the bourbon world for years, and for many, it’s likely one of the first whiskeys they’ve ever tried. With their new Single Barrel Bourbon 108 Proof, it seems they’re raising the bar, offering a bourbon with more complexity and depth. The decision to forego filtering and increase the proof to 108 suggests a commitment to delivering a richer, more robust experience for whiskey lovers.
Before I began my taste tests, I conducted some research on this particular release. Without an age statement, I delved into reviews and online discussions to gauge general opinions about the whiskey. Many noted the presence of honey, cinnamon, and yeast bread dough among other more subtle flavors, providing the foundation for what I hoped would be a strong and flavorful bourbon journey.
Table of Contents
Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Overview
Product History
In late 2019, Jim Beam introduced an update to their single barrel offering by releasing a new 108 proof version, in addition to the existing 95 proof. As a fan of high-proof bourbons, I was particularly excited about the 108 proof version. This higher-proof single barrel comes from stocks that would have gone into Jim Beam White and Black labels.
Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof is hand-selected by expert distillers, who carefully choose each barrel to ensure the highest quality. Less than one percent of barrels are chosen for the Single Barrel line, making it a unique and special bourbon experience.
Price Range
I purchased my bottle of Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof for $38.99 at a local store, but prices may vary depending on location and availability. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pricing:
- 750 mL bottle: $38.99
- Price per Drink (50 mL): $2.60
As a single barrel bourbon, Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof offers robust flavors at 54% ABV (alcohol by volume). This bourbon is crafted in Kentucky, USA, and carries the distinct quality and tradition of Jim Beam.
To give you a better sense of the tasting notes, here’s what I experienced:
- Nose: Mint, ginger, caramel, light citrus, and peanut
- Mouth: Caramel, mint, cinnamon
- Finish: Medium length and warmth, with lingering notes of cinnamon, peanut, and oak
In this short overview of the Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof, I’ve covered the product’s history, pricing, and tasting notes. I hope you find this information helpful as you continue to explore the world of bourbon. Enjoy!
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
The aroma of Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon 108 Proof is quite inviting. My senses are greeted with a mixture of mint, ginger, caramel, and light citrus notes. There’s also a hint of peanut, which adds a unique, nutty touch to the overall scent.
Flavor
Upon tasting, I find that the bourbon presents a pleasant and well-rounded flavor profile. The prominent flavors include caramel, mint, and cinnamon, creating a delightful balance between sweetness and spice. In the background, I can detect subtle rye and corn elements, along with a touch of barley that contributes to the bourbon’s slightly malty character.
| Flavors | Notes |
| Caramel | Sweet and rich |
| Mint | Slightly cooling |
| Cinnamon | Warm and spicy |
| Rye, Corn, Barley | Subtle grain notes |
Finish
Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon 108 Proof leaves me with a medium-length finish that gently warms the palate. The lingering notes of cinnamon, peanut, and oak create a pleasing aftertaste that keeps me wanting more.
Rating
Based on my experience, I would give this bourbon a score of 4.25 out of 5 stars. I find its flavor profile to be well-balanced, and the aroma adds a lot to the overall enjoyment of the experience.
- Score: 4.25/5
- Balance: Sweetness & spice with subtle grain notes
- Reviews: Positive ratings on various sites
Mixing and Pairing
As a fan of Jim Beam Single Barrel 108, I’ve found it to be a versatile whiskey that works well in various cocktails and pairings. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings to enhance your experience with this unique bourbon.
Best Mixers
To complement the rich flavors of Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof, here are some of the best mixers:
- Ginger Ale: A classic mixer that adds a fizzy, refreshing twist to the bourbon.
- Club Soda: A subtle choice that lets the natural flavors of the whiskey shine.
- Cola: A popular option that adds sweetness and a bit of bubbly fun.
- Lemonade: A slightly tangy mixer that highlights the fruity notes in the bourbon.
Cocktail Suggestions
As someone who loves experimenting with different cocktails, I’d like to suggest a few recipes that showcase the Jim Beam Single Barrel 108:
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For Old Fashioned: Stir 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters with ice, then strain over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.
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For Whiskey Sour: Shake 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white with ice, and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.
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For Boulevardier: Stir 1.5 oz bourbon, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth with ice, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Food Pairings
To enhance your palate and overall experience with Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof, here are some food pairings that complement the whiskey:
- Rich, savory dishes: BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or a juicy burger can emphasize the robust flavors in this bourbon.
- Cheese: A cheese board with strong, aged varieties such as blue, cheddar, or gouda can bring out the whiskey’s underlying sweetness.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate, in particular, can accentuate the caramel and vanilla notes, making for a delicious dessert pairing.
- Nuts: Toasted or candied pecans, almonds, or walnuts can highlight the nutty, oaky character of this Jim Beam Single Barrel offering.
Keep in mind that no two barrels of Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 are the same, so each experience might differ slightly. Experiment with different pairings and cocktails to find your ideal combination. Enjoy!
Conclusion
After sampling Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof, I can confidently say that it is worth considering, especially for those looking to upgrade from Jim Beam White or Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. With a price range between $25-40, it offers a good value for its quality.
Upon nosing this bourbon, I detected notes of mint, ginger, caramel, light citrus, and peanut. The taste offered a delightful combination of caramel, mint, cinnamon, yeast bread dough, honey, and cinnamon. Finally, the finish presented flavors of grapefruit, cherry Twizzler, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and orange rind.
Its unique character and bold flavors have me appreciating this bourbon for what it is – a solid, unfiltered option that stands out with a proof of 108. Although it may not be a groundbreaking whiskey, it’s undeniably enjoyable and should not be underestimated.
In the end, I believe that Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Proof is a satisfying addition to my whiskey collection. Its taste and quality make it an attractive choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something different or a step-up from their regular choices. I’ll definitely be savoring my next glass of this single-barrel bourbon.
