Jim Beam Double Oak vs Jim Beam Black Label Extra Aged: Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:07 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 the differences between Jim Beam Double Oak vs Jim Beam Black Label in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Jim Beam Black Label: Comparison

Jim Beam Double Oak: A bourbon that greets you with ethanol and smoke, then unfolds into vanilla and caramel. The palate is dominated by smoke and oak char, with a finish of oak and caramel. Best enjoyed on the rocks to tame its character.

Jim Beam Black Label: Offers a welcoming aroma of caramel and vanilla, complemented by a palate of sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of peppercorn, finishing with chocolate, corn, and barrel char. Ideal for those who appreciate a sweeter bourbon experience.

Key Difference: Jim Beam Double Oak ages for 4 years in new oak barrels then in charred ones. Black Label Double Aged matures for 8 years, twice as long as White Label.

Verdict: Jim Beam Double Oak and Jim Beam Black Label cater to different bourbon aficionados. Double Oak appeals to those who crave a smoky and oaky adventure, best enjoyed with ice to soften its intensity. Black Label, meanwhile, provides a smooth and rich experience, making it a versatile choice for sipping on the rocks or in cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Jim Beam Bourbons Ranked

Double Oak: Smokin’ Hot or Smokin’ Good?

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

Jim Beam Double Oak promises smoky intrigue, but does it deliver without becoming overwhelming? Let’s raise a glass and find out!

Aroma: Brace yourself for an initial burst of ethanol and smoke that settles into a more inviting mix of vanilla and caramel. Give it time to breathe, and the smoke mellows.

Palate: First impression? Warmth and prominent smoke, backed by a touch of oak char. Vanilla and caramel try to peek through, but the smoke and burnt oak take center stage.

Finish: Short and warm, dominated by oak flavor with a whisper of caramel. Not the longest lingerer.

Ice to the Rescue? Adding ice is a game-changer. It tames the harshness, reduces the heat, and lets the sweetness and oak shine brighter.

The Verdict: Intriguing! Double Oak offers a distinct smoky and oaky profile, but beware, it can be a bit rough around the edges. A large ice ball works wonders to make it more enjoyable.

Compared to Original Jim Beam: This double-aged version is more refined and palatable, ditching the undesirable characteristics of the original.

Bonus Facts:

Aged 4 years.
Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley.
2017 SIP Awards Gold Medal winner.

Remember: While the smoke offers a unique twist, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a smoother, less bold experience, explore other options. But if smoky intrigue tempts you, give Double Oak a shot (with ice!).

Black Label: Beyond the White, Still Budget-Friendly?

Nose: Caramel, cherry, vanilla, oak
Palate: Corn, vanilla, caramel, oak, peppercorn
Finish: Earthy, chocolate, corn, barrel char
Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks

Jim Beam Black Label promises a step up from the classic White Label, but does it deliver? Let’s uncork and see!

Aroma: Sweet caramel and vanilla greet you first, followed by a gentle whisper of oak.

Palate: A moderate warmth unfolds, introducing a prominent sweet corn taste. Hints of vanilla, caramel, oak, and even roasted peanuts join the party, followed by a brief peppery kick that gracefully fades.

Finish: It holds its own, offering a slight bite and earthy/ashy notes alongside lingering chocolate, corn, and oak char.

On the Rocks? Vanilla and caramel take center stage, while the pepper takes a backseat. Perfect if you prefer a sweeter experience.

Compared to White Label: An undeniable improvement! The 8-year aging makes it smoother and more enjoyable.

Worth the Upgrade? While not a top-shelf bourbon, its affordability makes it perfect for budget-friendly cocktails or casual social drinking.

Bonus Facts:

Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley.
Aged 8 years in new charred American white oak barrels.

The Verdict: Jim Beam Black Label offers a smoother, richer experience than the White Label, making it a good choice for budget-conscious bourbon lovers. Just remember, there’s a limit to its complexity.

What’s the difference between the Jim Beam Double Oak and the Black Label Double Aged?

Both bourbons use the traditional Jim Beam White Label as their base, but there are two main differences:

Double Oak ages four years in freshly charred, new American oak barrels and then transferred to newly charred American oak barrels and aged to taste.