Last Updated on: 12th June 2025, 07:44 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 vs Old Crow 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 vs Old Crow: Comparison
Jim Beam: A classic bourbon experience, blending sweet corn and butterscotch with a hint of pepper and roasted peanuts. Simple, yet iconic for cocktail crafting.
Old Crow: Offers a straightforward bourbon experience with vanilla and oak upfront, but lacks depth and complexity, feeling light and thin on the palate.
Something to Know: Both Jim Beam and Old Crow bourbons are made at the Jim Beam Distillery with the same mash bill. However, Jim Beam ages for 4 years, while Old Crow ages for 3, resulting in flavor variations despite shared tasting notes.
Verdict: Jim Beam shines in versatility, making it a staple for bourbon cocktails with its corn and butterscotch notes. Old Crow, while not complex, offers a budget-friendly option for those looking for an affordable bourbon to make cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Sipping Bourbons under $20
Jim Beam: Unveiling the Corn & Butterscotch Classic
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, hay, corn
- Palate: Toasty oak, peanut, vanilla, black pepper, oak spice
- Finish: Short-lived, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Jim Beam Black
Aroma: Jim Beam opens with a warm embrace of sweet corn and buttery butterscotch, followed by a gentle whisper of ethanol. It’s a familiar scent, reminiscent of homemade caramel popcorn.
Palate: While light-bodied, the flavor delivers a punch of sweet corn, vanilla, and more butterscotch. A touch of black pepper adds a pleasant tingle, balanced by the signature roasted peanut note found in other Jim Beam offerings.
Finish: The warmth lingers in a short finish, accompanied by a hint of sweetness, oak dryness, and lingering black pepper. While not complex, it leaves a clean impression.
Is it a Sipping Gem?
Jim Beam shines as a mixology maestro. Its approachable flavor profile and affordability make it a go-to for classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Highballs. However, the thin body and light finish might not entice experienced bourbon sippers seeking depth and complexity.
Honest Take:
If you’re new to bourbon or exploring budget-friendly options, Jim Beam delivers a classic corn and butterscotch experience. But remember, taste is subjective! While some find it unremarkable, its global popularity speaks volumes.
Bonus Beam Facts:
- Made with 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- Aged 4 years in new charred oak barrels, infusing those bold vanilla notes.
- Holds the title of best-selling bourbon worldwide (though note, Jack Daniel’s is technically a Tennessee Whiskey).
- Its rich history dates back to 1795, when Jacob Beam started it all with “Old Jake Beam Sour Mash.”
So, whether you’re mixing a mean cocktail or dipping your toes into the bourbon world, Jim Beam offers a sweet and approachable corn-forward experience. Cheers!
Old Crow Bourbon: Unveiling the Truthful Sip
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, caramel, apple juice
- Palate: Oak, vanilla, pepper, clove
- Finish: Pepper, oak spice, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Evan Williams
Aroma: Old Crow opens with a whisper of sweet apple juice, vanilla, and hints of caramel, offering a promising start. Woody oak notes peek through, adding a touch of complexity.
Palate: Unfortunately, the initial promise fades as the sip unfolds. The body feels light and thin, lacking the rich texture found in many bourbons.
Flavor: A burst of warmth arrives upfront, followed by a punch of oak spice. Peppery and clove notes tingle the tongue, joined by a faint whisper of roasted peanuts. However, sweetness takes a backseat, with the oak and pepper dominating the flavor profile.
Finish: The warmth lingers in a short finish, but is unfortunately paired with a combination of rye and oak spice that can be off-putting for some palates.
Final Verdict: While Old Crow boasts a long history, its flavor profile might not appeal to everyone. Compared to similar options, it lacks complexity and finesse.
Honest Transparency: If you’re new to bourbon and exploring budget-friendly choices, there are other options like Benchmark, Ezra Brooks, and Evan Williams that offer a more well-rounded flavor experience. Remember, taste is subjective, so don’t let this review deter you from trying it yourself!
Keyword-rich Summary: Old Crow bourbon, aroma, palate, flavor, finish, verdict, budget-friendly bourbon, Benchmark, Ezra Brooks, Evan Williams.
Old Crow facts:
- Aged for 3 years.
- The mash bill is 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- At some point, Old Crow was the best-selling bourbon in the United States.
- This was the drink of choice of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant.
- James Crow, a Scottish immigrant, was a skilled distiller who made whiskey for various employers.
What do they have in common?
Crafted by Jim Beam
Both bourbons, Jim Beam and Old Crow, are produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, KY.
These bourbons share the same mash bill in their production process.
How do they differ?
Barrel management makes them different
Jim Beam undergoes a 4-year aging process, whereas Old Crow aged for 3 years.
The extra year of aging in Jim Beam contributes to flavor differences, although there are still several shared tasting notes between the two.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Jim Beam | $19 | 1.75L |
| Old Crow | $18 | 1.75L |