Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniel's - both are giants in the American whiskey market and have a seemingly indestructible fanbase all across the globe. But have you ever wondered what the differences between those two are? If so, let us help. We will show where those two famous whiskeys differ.
In a nutshell, the differences between Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniels lie in type and taste. Jim Beam is a classic bourbon, whereas Jack Daniels is a Tennessee Whiskey. That also shows in the flavor profile, Jim Beam has a much more bourbon-like taste with warm flavors like honey, oak, and spices paired with earthy, fruity, and herbal notes. Jack Daniel's is significantly thinner and more alcoholic in taste with a focus on sweetness, banana, oak, and cinnamon.
However, that is not where the differences stop. We compare the regions where the whiskeys come from, the various versions, their bottling proof, their reputation, and much more. If you're looking for a thorough comparison between Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's or want to purchase either one as a gift, you've come to the right place.
Here is our comprehensive breakdown of two of the biggest whiskey producers in the United States.
The Key Differences between Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam
Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam are both corn-forward, sweet whiskeys but significantly different in taste, style, price, and origin. Let's look at the main differences between the two whiskey brands in this quick summary of Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniel's.
- The type of whiskey: Jim Beam is a classic bourbon whiskey. Jack Daniel's may taste and smell like bourbon, but it is a sour mash whiskey classified as a Tennessee Whiskey.
- Their origin: Both from the US, Jim Beam's roots are in Kentucky, whereas, famously, the home of Jack Daniel's is in Tennessee.
- Time of aging: Jim Beam usually is aged four years. Jack Daniel's is said to age between 4 and 7 years. However, that duration is more of an indication. It could be longer or shorter, depending on when the spirit acquires the desired taste.
- Proof: Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's Whiskey are both bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
- Taste: Jim Beam has a richer flavor profile and shows more classic bourbon flavors when compared to Jack Daniel's. Jack Daniel's overall has a more alcoholic taste, a thinner consistency, and is significantly sweeter.
Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniels - In-Depth Comparison
Tasting Notes
Jim Beam
- Color: Pouring classic Jim Beam bourbon into your glass reveals its clear and deep golden to copper color. It only turns slightly cloudy when adding ice to it.
- Aroma: The nose is sweet with notes of vanilla, caramel, corn, and oak, complemented by a slight breeze of fresh-cut hay.
- Taste: Overall, the taste of a Jim Beam is rather thin compared to higher-proof bourbon whiskeys. Its flavor is not as bold as its competitors, but it still carries noticeable notes of vanilla, corn, and oak. It also shows hints of spice and pepper as well as a subtle sweetness from the corn.
- Consistency: Slightly below-average viscosity.
- Finish: The finish is dominated by toasted oak and sweetness with vanilla, corn, and also caramel notes shining through.
Jack Daniels
- Color: Medium amber
- Aroma: The nose of Jack Daniel's is quite pleasant and sweet. Its fruity notes of banana and apricot mix with vanilla and oak. In the background, some hints of corn add more aroma to the mix. Overall, a pleasant way to prepare you for the first sip.
- Taste: On the palate, you get that typical Jack Daniel's mix - something unusual but somewhat thin, with a relatively low ABV, but still fun to sip. When tasting the whiskey, you are greeted by a wave of sweet corn and banana flavors. Then, more sweetness and notes of vanilla and nuts follow. In the background, you can even taste hints of spice, cinnamon, and maple.
- Consistency: Comparably thin
- Finish: The finish counters the sweetness with some oaky and bitter notes. A strong contrast that, unfortunately, brings down the overall experience.
Flavor profile
One of the most significant differences between Jack Daniels vs. Jim Beam is the flavor profile. Overall, the balance of flavors in Jim Beam is much better than in Jack Daniel's. The Tennessee whiskey, with its signature taste, has much stronger alcoholic notes and also more sugar, and a thinner consistency.
Mash bill
Both whiskeys have a corn-forward mash bill that differs only slightly. However, Jack Daniel's uses a slightly higher amount of corn (80%) and has barley as a secondary ingredient (12%). Jim Beam, on the other hand, uses 77% of corn and only 10% of malted barley.
- Jim Beam: 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley.
- Jack Daniel's: 80% corn, 12% barley, 8% rye.
Price
Both whiskeys have a loyal customer base and tend to be in the low-price segment. Jim Beam, however, is significantly cheaper and can usually be had for as little as $14. A bottle of Jack Daniel's costs about $20.
Maturation & aging
Both whiskeys, Jim Beam White and Jack Daniel's age for at least four years in oak barrels. However, on average, Jack Daniel's ages slightly longer. Typically, the Tennessee Whiskey matures for 4-7 years until it reaches the desired taste, color, and quality.
History
Jim Beam
The brand Jim Beam was established in 1795. -And what many people do not know, is that the first Jim Beam distillery was not founded by a family actually named Beam.
Instead, the founder of the bourbon whiskey brand was a German called Johannes Boehm. However, in an attempt to make his name more English-friendly, he changed his name to the more Anglo-American version Beam.
And another widely unknown fact is that the whiskey's name was not Jim Beam right away. Initially, it was named “Old Tub.” It took until 1943 to rebrand it to Jim Beam, to honor not only the family but especially Colonel James B. Beam, who sadly passed only a few years later.
Jim Beam bourbon was managed and produced by the Beam family for seven generations. But in 2014, Jim Beam was sold to a Japanese group called Suntory, most famous for their Japanese Whisky. And Suntory has more to offer. It is a gigantic privately-held company owning many different spirits brands. And by acquiring Jim Beam for $13,6 billion, the portfolio became even more enormous.
Jack Daniels
Jack Daniel's was invented in Tennessee by Jasper Newton Daniel, a local lay preacher and moonshine distiller better known as Jack. Jack Daniel's became the first recognized distillery in the United States in 1866.
The brand is world-famous for its Tennessee Whiskey made from sour mash. The US government recognized the term Tennessee Whiskey as a specific type of whiskey in 1941. Therefore, the spirit is neither rye nor bourbon and is not required to follow the guidelines for these types of spirits.
Jack Daniel's invented its very own distillation process. Plus, the brand managed to have the method recognized as a distinct variety. However, technically, Jack Daniel's still remains bourbon, and the North American Free Trade Agreement lists it as a straight bourbon, as well.
Nevertheless, representatives and spokespersons of Jack Daniel's keep claiming it is not bourbon. In private, though, they probably would admit that their product does indeed tick all the boxes for being categorized as bourbon.
After the distillation, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey undergoes a special procedure called the ‘Lincoln County Process.’ It means, for six days, the whiskey drips in large vats through specifically made charcoal. This charcoal is obtained from burned maple wood and impregnated with high-proof Jack Daniel's Whiskey (140 proof).
Then, the whiskey matures in new and charred oak barrels for approximately 4 to 7 years before being bottled at 40% ABV. -At least since 2004. Before that, the famous Tennessee Whiskey had an ABV of 43%.
Product Line Up
Product Line Up Jim Beam
Starting with only one product in 1795, Jim Beam today offers a whole variety of products. Check out the options of Jim Beam that are available at the moment.
Jim Beam White Label
- ABV: 40%
- Age: 4 years
- Tasting notes: Vanilla, oak, and subtle notes of tropical fruits
- Price: $18
Jim Beam White Label is a solid budget Bourbon. It's a decent entry-level option for people new to Bourbon, as the affordable price and the low ABV make it pretty approachable. However, considering the weak taste, there are better options for just a few dollars more.
The nose with its notes of corn and light fruitness is typical for a Bourbon. And the usual Bourbon flavors of oak and vanilla can be found, too. But overall, this spirit lacks complexity and has harsh alcohol notes even though it is only 80 proof.
Jim Beam Green Label
- ABV: 40%
- Age: 5 years
- Tasting notes: Caramel, vanilla, and port
- Price: $40
Green Label is aged a bit longer than the classic White Label offering. Also, it's much smoother and more complex than the standard bottling of Jim Beam. The smell shows notes of caramel, vanilla, and hints of pepper, and on the palate, you get more vanilla notes, port, and subtle spice.
Altogether this spirit is not overly complex but a great everyday Bourbon. But the increased quality comes along with a higher price point.
Jim Beam Black Label
- ABV: 43%
- Age: 6 years
- Tasting notes: Oak, vanilla, pepper, and smoke
- Price: $22
Jim Beam Black label's smell is intriguing. Light oaky notes mix with aromas of candied apples and vanilla custard. The taste is way less complex, though. The Bourbon is comparably thin in taste with strong notes of oak.
Apart from the oaky notes, you can also taste some typical vanilla and caramel. And even though it certainly doesn't taste bad, the flavor profile is just a bit more one-dimensional than the nose suggests. The finish has more oak, vanilla, and pepper. Plus, a smokiness that lingers for quite a while.
Jim Beam Rye - Pre-Prohibition style
- ABV: 45%
- Age: 4 years
- Tasting notes: Grains, Caramel, butterscotch, citrus, and spice
- Price: $23
Don't be fooled by the "Pre-Prohibition" on the bottle label. Jim Beam Rye - Pre-Prohibition style actually tastes like a regular Rye Whiskey. The nose is a little sweet and reminds a bit of Old Overholt's Rye. Notes of caramel, butterscotch, and toffee dominate the aroma.
On the palate, it's a different story. You can taste (raw) grains, vanilla, and spice. But just like some of the other Jim Beam products, the spirit lacks complexity and follows simpler flavor profiles.
Jim Beam Devil's Cut
- ABV: 45%
- Age: 6 years
- Tasting notes: Grains, Caramel, butterscotch, citrus, and spice
- Price: $22
The Devil's Cut has a deep caramel-colored spirit dominated by a wooden aroma. Hidden behind that, you can also taste caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. For some, the strongly pronounced wooden notes might be too much. I also find it a bit overwhelming, even though the taste of wood is the whole point of this expression.
On the palate, the wood is less pronounced. You get strong caramel notes and hints of spices like cinnamon. It's a beautiful fit for people who are into wood-forward spirits. For everyone else, this might not be an ideal choice.
Jim Beam Distiller's Masterpiece
- ABV: 50%
- Age: "Extra aged"
- Tasting notes: Grains, Caramel, butterscotch, citrus, and spice
- Price: once $190, now: $450+
The Distiller's Masterpiece is aged for an extended time. However, Jim Beam doesn't say for how long exactly. What we do know is that its deep reddish-brown color is coming from an additional aging step in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
As you would expect at this price point, the aromas and flavors of this premium Bourbon are complex. The nose shows spicy notes with dark fruit, cinnamon, nuts, and sweet caramel. On the palate, you clearly can taste the sherry coming from the sherry cask aging. You can also taste dark fruit, spice, marmalade, and even cocoa.
Overall, this is a beautiful whiskey. Considering the steep price point (now), I would choose another Bourbon, though.
Jim Beam Signature Craft
- ABV: 43%
- Age: 12 years
- Tasting notes: Caramel, vanilla, oak, and cinnamon
- Price: $52
Bottled and released in 2015, this premium Bourbon from Jim Beam is barrel-aged for 12 years. This extended time in the barrel helped this Jim Beam expression. The small-batch release is full-bodied with a comparably complex flavor profile.
The nose is typical with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and oak. On the palate, you get a slightly more complex profile. Caramel, vanilla, spicy cinnamon, and oak dominate the taste.
Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask
- ABV: 43%
- Age: 5-6 years
- Tasting notes: Corn, cinnamon, oak, and caramel
- Price: $60
The Signature Quarter Cask by Jim Beam is best enjoyed neat, and I recommend adding neither ice nor water to it. The dilution changes the flavor balance, but not for the better, and you end up with less sweet corn and more spice and oak.
The price is a bit hefty, but still, this Bourbon is a good choice. -Especially if you prefer a dry, oaky, and vanilla-forward Bourbon. If you are an avid fan of the brand, this bottle is almost a must-have. If not, it is still a nice addition to your whiskey collection. Should you be uncertain about it, go ahead and test it in a whiskey bar first before purchasing a whole bottle.
Jim Beam Single Barrel
- ABV: 47.5%
- Age: Not stated
- Tasting notes: Rye spice, apples, and vanilla
- Price: $39
Jim Beam Single Barrel is a highly unusual release from the famous whiskey brand. While most of their releases are quite similar in flavor profile, this one stands out. You can smell a bit of ethanol, but besides that, the spirit is intriguing, complex, and simply a great whiskey to sip.
The nose is full of apples, rye, vanilla, and a hint of ethanol. Once you sip it, the ethanol is completely gone, though. Instead, you get a balanced mix of caramel, rye spice, and oak. The finish is sweet, with more vanilla and caramel.
Jim Beam Jacob's Ghost
- ABV: 40%
- Age: 1 year
- Tasting notes: Vanilla, smoke, and charcoal smoke
- Price: $18
Considering its price point and the fact that it is a large volume white whiskey (white means that the spirit aged for a very short amount of time), Jacob's Ghost is a good option. It is creamy and smooth with floral notes and hints of vanilla. It also has a slightly smoky taste to it.
And compared to other white whiskeys in that price range, Jacob's Ghost performs quite well. The smooth and creamy taste makes it better than most competitors in that range.
Product Line Up Jack Daniel's
The lineup of Jack Daniel's might not be as expansive as the one from Jim Beam, but they still have a considerable selection. So let's check out what the distillery from Tennessee has to offer.
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
- ABV: 40%
- Age: 4 -7 years
- Tasting notes: Banana, Apricot, Vanilla, and oak
- Price: $15
I already described the flavors and aromas of the standard Jack Daniel's bottling above. And this release is no exception: it's a solid whiskey with sweet and fruity aromas and flavors. The finish is relatively dry and takes away from the otherwise beautiful flavor profile.
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye
- ABV: 45%
- Age: NA
- Tasting notes: Vanilla, smoke, and charcoal smoke
- Price: $25
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye is just as solid as its standard bottling. But, considering the higher price point, one might expect a bit more from it. The nose is slightly spicier than that of sour mash Tennessee Whiskey. But it still has fruity notes of banana and some oaky notes.
The flavors on the palate are similar, with a touch more sweetness to them. Notes of marshmallow mingle with spice notes, banana, oak, and some char. It certainly is a great Rye for Jack Daniel's fans as it holds some of the typical flavors you know from the Old No. 7.
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select
- ABV: 47%
- Age: 4-7 years
- Tasting notes: Banana, vanilla, oak, and caramel
- Price: $50
The Single Barrel Select clearly builds on the base of their iconic No. 7. You get some similar notes in the nose of banana or banana bread, caramel, and toasted oak.
The palate shows more notes of caramel, together with dried banana and oak. -A restrained but elegant flavor profile with just a trace of ethanol. And although bottled at 94 proof, the spirit actually doesn't feel strong. In a blind tasting, I might have estimated it at 80 proof.
The finish also is pretty straightforward: a hint of spicy pepper complements the more pronounced charred oak and sweet brown sugar notes.
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye
- ABV: 47%
- Age: 4-7 years
- Tasting notes: Vanilla, smoke, and charcoal smoke
- Price: $50
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye comes at a steep price point. Especially because the spirit has no official age statement and, frankly, the company doesn't have much experience producing quality Rye Whiskey. However, the result is quite promising and certainly an above-average Rye.
The nose has fruity notes of cherry and banana complemented by hints of spice, vanilla, and oak. In the beginning, the palate feels quite one-dimensional. Lots of banana notes mixed with cherry and caramel. Later on, you get more oak and typical Rye spices.
Overall, it's a rather fruit-forward and unusual Rye Whiskey at a relatively high price point. But when looking for something new and extraordinary to try, it isn't the worst option.
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof
- ABV: 50%
- Age: 1 year
- Tasting notes: Vanilla, smoke, and charcoal smoke
- Price: $50
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 100 Proof is rich and creamy with a flavor of corn, caramel, and banana. And it was my favorite amongst their Single Barrel offerings until the Barrel Proof (see below) was released. Especially on the palate, it really benefits from the higher ABV.
The full-bodied whiskey is dominated by rich vanilla and oak notes and carries a delicate underlying trace of cherry and wood. Only in the back of your throat can you taste some bitter notes that bring the experience down a little. Overall, it's an aromatic spirit with a decent depth of flavor.
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel - Barrel Proof
- ABV: 64%
- Age: NAS
- Tasting notes: Banana, cherry, apple, vanilla, and cinnamon
- Price: $65
Bottled at full proof directly from the barrel, this Jack Daniel's is a powerhouse when it comes to richness and taste. Already on smelling it, you're greeted by a bold variety of aromas: Sweet caramel, fresh banana, banana bread, cherries, apples, vanilla, cinnamon, and also woody hints of oak.
And the palate delivers what the nose is promising. It is a bold and rich whiskey. The sweetness of caramel, honey, and banana mixes with vanilla, oak, cinnamon, and nutty notes.
Due to a high ABV of 64%, the spirit has quite a bite to it, but not in an unpleasant way. Actually, it is my favorite whiskey from Jack Daniel's.
Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack
- ABV: 40%
- Age: 4-7 years
- Tasting notes: Vanilla, smoke, and charcoal smoke
- Price: $30
First released in 1988, Gentleman's Jack is much more mellow than the standard release. The reason is that the whiskey is undergoing the charcoal mellowing process twice before aging. To make it even smoother, it's mellowed once again before finally getting bottled at 40% ABV.
Gentleman Jack has a super smooth texture and is really easy to sip. The flavor profile is simple yet well-balanced, with just the right balance between caramel, oak, and vanilla. But the smoothness comes at a price.
Also, for seasoned whiskey and Bourbon drinkers, Gentleman Jack might be a bit boring. If you're new to whiskey in general, it's an excellent choice to get used to the flavors without being overwhelmed by complex flavors and harsh alcohol notes.
Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select
- ABV: 45%
- Age: 4-7 years
- Tasting notes: Fruity, caramel, nougat, and oak
- Price: $150
The Sinatra Select release is a pricy bottle of whiskey mostly meant for fans of either Jack Daniel's or Franky. Its nose is strong and fruity with notes of apple, mango, and orange, but there are also some more classic aromas like vanilla, buttercream, and wood.
On the palate, it is a tad bit rough. That isn't bad, but I would have expected a better balance. It holds notes of nut, caramel, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, and orange. The mouthfeel itself is pretty nice and rich. It almost feels like its a 100 proof.
Overall the Sinatra Select is nothing really new. It has some upsides and downsides without being unique. And to be honest, spending 100$ on this is most likely not worth it. Considering that currently, it sells for as much as $150, I do not recommend buying a bottle unless you're a big fan of either brand or artist.
Other Products
Besides the whiskey listed above, Jack Daniels also released some flavored, lower ABV liqueurs. To not leave them unmentioned, here are their other products:
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee honey
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Flavored Whiskey
- Jack Daniel's Winter Jack
Sales
Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's are the two best-selling whiskey brands worldwide. The statistic from The Spirits Business ranked Jim Beam as #1, selling 17 million cases in 2021, closely followed by Jack Daniel's with 13.5 million. Suntory Kakubin, Jameson, and Crown Royal follow behind.
The biggest market for Jim Beam is, of course, the US. But also in Europe, especially in Germany and Australia, the Kentucky Bourbon sells very well. The main reason for this is the value you get for your money. You receive a decent quality whiskey with quite a small price tag.
Jack Daniel's sells the majority of its bottles in the US. The strongest export markets are India, UK, and France - in that order.
Use in cocktails
Both products work great in Highballs and cocktails. However, in my honest opinion, Jim Beam is easier to use in cocktail recipes due to its classic bourbon-y flavor profile. Jack Daniel's, on the other hand, is not always a great fit in bourbon drink recipes. The untypical sweetness and alcoholic bite make it a bit harder to balance.
Here are some drinks to make with Jim Beam:
And here is a selection of cocktails that you can mix with Jack Daniel's:
Final Note
Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's are two of the most famous whiskey brands worldwide. Jim Beam is a bourbon, and Jack Daniel's officially is classified as Tennessee Whiskey. Technically, though, both products are bourbon whiskey even though Jack Daniel's undergoes some special treatment.
Both brands have a raving fanbase, and choosing between Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's is a matter of personal preference. Both standard releases are not exactly what I call a perfect choice for sipping, but great spirits for beginners. If I had to pick a favorite from all releases, I would opt for Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof.