Jim Beam Bourbon ~ Let the Burn Begin ~ Nair for your Nose ~
Written: May 15 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap at around $10, quick fix to a bad day
Cons: Not for sipping without being mixed
The Bottom Line: This is an inexpensive whiskey that is drinkable when mixed. Try this straight and it will burn all the way down.
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| nchoward's Full Review: Jim Beam - Kentucky Bourbon |
BOTTOM LINE:
JIM BEAM is a quick fix for a bad day at work but not for quality sipping and relaxing. You will most likely find this bottle at parties and bonfires, not cigar bars and the top shelf at home. Its nose hair burning aroma and throat burning sips will turn most whisky drinkers away. Cut this whiskey with a mixer if you only have the money for this young bourbon whiskey.
MY STORY
Even in an Atlanta’s semi-posh hotel bar I cannot find an astonishing whisk(e)y. I recently passed through the elegant Hyatt Regency and decided to stop by their bar to admire their offerings. I found that JW Black Label, Glenmorangie 10 year, and Glenfiddich 12 year were some of the best whiskies offered – Top Shelf. My apartment offers better whisky than this “luxury” hotel.
And then I remembered that I was in Georgia and I ordered a Jim Beam on the rocks. I ordered this for scientific purposes only and was astonished to have to pay $5 for the 2oz of this bourbon; I can find a 750ml bottle for around $10!
JIM’S STORY
Jim Beam has been serving the world bourbon for over 200 years. In 2002, Jim Beam put its 9 millionth barrel into the rack for aging.
This Kentucky Bourbon meets the requirements for being bourbon by creating its mash with over 51% corn and it is stored 2 years more than the national requirement of 2 years in charred oak barrels. Jim Beam uses rye and barley to fill out its grains.
Much like Jack Daniels, Jim Beam uses a portion of a prior run to create the yeast for the new run. Jack Daniels calls this the “sour mash” part, as this process is much like how sourdough bread is made.
THE POUR
Jim Beam pours a light amber color … almost indistinguishable from the other southern powerhouse, Jack Daniels.
THE NOSE
This was one of the more unpleasant experiences of drinking Jim Beam. I actually think the bartender was looking at me funny because she could not figure out why I was sticking my nose into the mouth of the glass. The astringent, harsh nose singed my nose hairs. Not quite, but it was hard to notice the herbs and grainy notes above the alcohol. There is a faint note of smoke as well, although not as prevalent as a scotch whisky.
THE TASTE
Even though the nose made me take a step back, here’s to whiskey and bottoms up. The taste was surprisingly sweet at first but that quickly gave way to a sour burn from the back of my mouth straight down to my stomach. I wish that sweetness would stay just a bit longer as the sourness was not terrible. There was just little balance there that I expect with a quality spirit. This was the first drink, so by the end of my glass (on the rocks piled high) the burn was less harsh. Instead of the cruel burn, the whiskey was slightly spicy and this was probably why the burn was so harsh given the 40% ABV and the spicy notes coupled.
THE AFTERTASTE
The more the water cuts the whiskey the better. I will never drink this whiskey in the on the rocks. You will not find many people that drink this without some type of soda or sugary second.
Jim Beam will burn your throat and stomach and your face will not be able to hide the fact that this whiskey is not as smooth as it claims.
CONCLUSION
This whiskey is a cheap alternative for Irish whiskey and Scotch drinkers in my opinion. You can get more of a drunk off of Jim Beam for a fraction of the cost. If you are just going for a buzz or party experience, this is most likely for you. If you enjoy a tumbler or two of whiskey after a long day or with a cigar, you will find more luck sticking with something that costs a little more.
I have read better news about Jim Beam Black and I hope to report on its longer-aged brother in the near future.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nchoward
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 - Top 200 |
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Location: USA
Reviews written: 132
Trusted by: 113 members
About Me:
Happy father of the most beautiful girl in the world
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