Last Updated on: 30th April 2024, 06:07 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover everything about the Jim Beam Double Oak in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Jim Beam Double Oak: A Smooth Upgrade for Jim Beam Fans (Worth a Try)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Jim Beam Double Oak seems to offer a compelling alternative to the standard Jim Beam for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements it delivers:
Strengths:
- Smoother & More Rounded: The double-barreling process eliminates harshness and unpleasant notes found in the regular Jim Beam, resulting in a more enjoyable drinking experience.
- Richer Mouthfeel: The higher proof (86) contributes to a fuller and more satisfying texture compared to the 80 proof Jim Beam.
- Enhanced Flavor Profile: The double-barreling adds complexity and richness to the flavor profile of the original Jim Beam.
- Appealing to Jim Beam Fans: Those who already enjoy Jim Beam will likely appreciate the improvements offered by the Double Oak.
- Affordable Upgrade: The price remains reasonable, making it a good value for the upgraded taste.
Considerations:
- Not Top-Shelf: While improved, it might not compete with higher-end bourbons.
Verdict:
If you’re a Jim Beam fan looking for a smoother and more flavorful option, the Jim Beam Double Oak is definitely worth a try.
The double-barreling process elevates the bourbon by eliminating harsh notes, adding complexity, and offering a richer mouthfeel. The increased proof further enhances the experience.
While it might not be a top-shelf bourbon, it remains an affordable and enjoyable upgrade over the standard Jim Beam.
Personally, you wouldn’t turn it down if offered, making it a solid choice to have on hand, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Jim Beam Whiskeys
- Learn more: Jim Beam Double Oak Website
What is special about the Jim Beam Double Oak?
The Double Oak is an iteration of the regular Jim Beam that undergoes a unique aging process.
After 4 years, it is transferred to newly charred American oak barrels, imparting distinct flavors.
This double-barreling technique sets it apart from the regular Jim Beam, resulting in a different taste profile.
Furthermore, it is bottled at a higher proof of 86, compared to the regular Jim Beam’s 80 proof, adding to a more robust character.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Ethanol, smoke, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Smoke, oak char, vanilla, caramel
- Finish: Oak, smoke, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Jim Beam White Label
The nose of the Jim Beam Double Oak is marked by a strong presence of ethanol and smoke, which gradually gives way to notes of vanilla and caramel upon airing.
On the palate, the first sip brings a noticeable warmth along with prominent smoke and a pronounced oak char.
Subsequently, hints of vanilla and caramel emerge, though they are somewhat overshadowed by the smoky and charred flavors.
The finish is relatively short but carries a warm sensation, with prominent oak notes and a touch of caramel.
When enjoyed with ice, the Jim Beam Double Oak undergoes a notable improvement.
The ice helps to mellow some of the harsher aspects and heat, while also enhancing the sweetness and oak character.
Overall, despite its initial intensity, the Jim Beam Double Oak offers a satisfying experience.
The interplay of smoke and oak char adds an intriguing element to the bourbon’s flavor profile, though it may still retain some rough edges.
Here’s an FAQ section for your content:
FAQ
Alternatives
- Maker’s Mark 46: Offers the same base as regular Maker’s Mark but is enhanced by a double-barreling process. It provides a good-tasting wheated bourbon with solid value.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A pricier option that delivers a refined and elevated bourbon experience, surpassing regular Woodford Reserve.
How to Drink?
- Enjoying Jim Beam Double Oak with a little ice allows caramel and oak flavors to come forward, enhancing the bourbon’s drinkability. For cocktails like an Old Fashioned, consider using Jim Beam Devil’s Cut instead due to its deeper oak char notes which enhance the cocktail’s flavor profile.
Mash Bill
- The mash bill is 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, which is also used for other Jim Beam products like Knob Creek, Booker’s, and Baker’s. The specific barrel management creates unique contrasts among these bourbons.
Age Statement
- It does not have a specific age statement but is generally aged for around 4+ years.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, it is a chill-filtered bourbon, which is common for bourbons in this price range.
Price
- Prices vary slightly by retailer but are approximately $23 at Drizly and $19 at Total Wine.
Alcohol Content
- It is bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), providing slightly more body and depth compared to regular Jim Beam.
Does Jim Beam Double Oak expire?
- While properly stored bourbon can last for many years, it is advisable to consume it once the liquid level drops to about 25% of the bottle. Below this level, liquors can develop off-flavors and aromas, affecting overall enjoyment.
How did I review Jim Beam Double Oak?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Jim Beam Double Oak: Specs
| Type of Whiskey | Bourbon |
| Age statement | NAS (4+ Years) |
| Proof | 86 |
| ABV | 43% |
| Is it good? | Somewhat |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | A bit |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | Works |
| Good with Coke? | Not the best |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |