Jim Beam Winter Reserve

🌞 Sunshine, Seasons & Sippin’ with Jim Beam ❄️ 🎩 Topsail Island Edition 🎩 Oh my, do I love when the seasons change! There’s something magical about the subtle shift in the air—the way the ocean breeze leans just a bit cooler in the morning, or how a bourbon tastes just a little different under a summer sun or a winter moon. Right now, I’m soaking in all that summertime goodness from the sandy shores of Topsail Island, North Carolina, and what better companion than a little something from our old and reliable friend—Jim Beam. Now, before we sip, let’s rewind—way, way back to 1795. That’s right, Jim Beam is a certified bourbon elder, clocking in at a staggering 230 years old this year! The man behind the magic, Jakob Beam, sold his first barrel of corn whiskey in Kentucky back when the U.S. was just a fledgling country. Fast forward through seven generations (and one rather annoying Prohibition detour), and the Beam family is still crafting bourbon the old-fashioned way—with heart, heritage, and just the right amount of heat. Straight from the Beam rickhouses and into my glass, we have a new release… ❄️ Jim Beam Winter Reserve    •   80 proof / 40% ABV    •   Aged 6+ years    •   Same mashbill, longer winter’s nap Now this one, folks—Winter Reserve—debuted in October 2024, and I scooped it up in November for a crisp $22. With an extra couple years in the barrel, this dram steps things up with richer oak, darker spice, and a velvety finish that lingers like the warmth of a holiday fireplace. It’s got that winter soul but still sips smooth enough for any season. Watch the full tasting to see why I believe this is a serious sleeper hit in the Beam lineup. ⸻ The pour starts with that unmistakable Jim Beam DNA—a mashbill of corn (77%), rye (13%), and malted barley (10%) —but each takes a seasonal twist that makes it worth your while, whether you’re sipping under a summer sun or curled up during a chilly winter night. So, how do they stack up to your everyday Beam or maybe that beloved Black Label? Well, you’ll just have to join me in the tasting to find out! 😉 🎥 Head over to the video—hit like, drop a comment, and subscribe if you haven’t already. Let me know your favorite seasonal sip, or tell me if you’ve tried either of these! Until next time—wherever your bourbon adventures take you—be it beach, bonfire, or back porch… 🥃 Cheers, my fun and crazy friends! 🥃 Stay sippin’, stay smiling, and I’ll see you on the flipside. YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@belmontbjornsbourbonbanter?si=Tqk4H06Ce84plARd Full video bottle review: https://youtu.be/fC5c8DFp2Jw?si=YuDwsUhbjEZdBbtd ⸻ Belmont Björn - BBBB -

You really have to hand it to Jim Beam, for so many things really, but for being consistent above all else. Their core line adorns the same labeling on the same bottle shape, and holds inside a product that is far undervalued for the price point presented. When I saw this in the store originally, I thought it was a flavored whiskey, given the "notes of vanilla and cinnamon" seen in multiple places on the label. However, a little bit of research debunked this, instead presenting a decent aged bourbon (again, for such a cheap price point, 6 years is quite impressive amongst the overpriced, young craft scene) with a fun, but predictable finish using the toasted oak barrels. The proof is very low, but this is expected from the brand, and given the double barreling, there should be enough difference in flavor present to distinguish itself from the other core lineup. The color is a deep chestnut and warmer than expected for the age, but then I remember the fresh barrel, and even though it was only toasted, this helps to concentrate the inner hue. The proof, however, prevents the color from reaching the edge, and gives a very watery appearance instead. The nose is shockingly very hot and spicy, with initial notes of red berries or even red wine. There's a bit of citrus and toasted baking spices beneath this, but above all else, a spicy, powerful cinnamon really carries the whole thing. Initial sips are weak and a little watery, but the flavor comes through as sweet plantain, bubblegum yeast, cinnamon, and a creamy nuttiness. The finish is dry and spicy, but only a bit hot, not nearly as much as the nose predicted. Repeat sips give more of the same, with the finish stacking in the gums, doubling down on the classic rye spice and flavor notes with each new drink. This Jim Beam variant ends up being exactly what's expected from it: weak and only slightly different than the classic bourbon, but the difference is unique, and absolutely worth the incredibly affordable price. It's a fun bottle to gift around, where the spirit snob can appreciate it being new and unique, and the casual drinker can explore what a toasted barrel finish can do to transform a very average bourbon. All that being said, this is a bit too weak to really enjoy neat, but would be very welcome in any and all cocktails, especially if you're a fan of using bourbon as the backbone for your hot toddies.

Color: Medium Copper-Amber Nose: I really can't claim to be one of those people who can pick-out a distillery from the nose (although I can identify an Old Forester nose in my sleep). But I would say this nose is very "Beamy". Lots of cinnamon and oak. Not much alcohol to speak of. I always like that — regardless of proof. Damned if I'm not detecting a hint 'o cherry, as well. Palate: (drank with an ice cube) Slightly light mouth feel. The bottle claims there are notes of vanilla and cinnamon. I think I'm getting the vanilla (I swear, I've never had a pour that made me jump out of my seat and exclaim, "Vanilla!")... but I will say, "vanilla" here. As the ice cube melts, I get something akin to, "fruity". This is not very sweet — which is fine. I'd say "spicy" and "toasty" are the main take-aways from this first pour. Secondary Nose (what is happening on the nose as the ice melts and it opens-up a bit): Baked apples! Finish: Short and lightly bitter — but in a way that somehow works well with — rounds out — this juice's overall profile. This stuff is good. For the price, I'd say it's very good. I will probably grab another bottle, as it will be good to have around during the holidays. Solid 3.75 stars, all things considered.

The nose is very gentle with charred oak, cinnamon, floral rye spice, molasses and some vanilla to round it all out. The nose is quite gentle and softer than you would like, considering how much the flavor profile is promoted. It comes off as a little thin and maybe not all that much different from your usual Jim Beam. The palate is too soft, but fills the mouth with that charred oak cinnamon floral rye and vanilla that you got on the nose. Except it's not as bold or as full as you would want in order for this to really make an impression. It is indeed great to sip on, but it is too easy going with the flavors that it has on hand. You take a sip, you know what you're tasting and then you move on. It is certainly disappointing if they're going to promote certain flavors and then it only comes across as a gentle touch rather than a full-on punch of flavor. The finish is medium a little spicy with lingering cinnamon while charred oak fades quickly. The cinnamon does last for a decent amount of time, but that's it. Everything else is very much quickly gone. A little disappointing, but enjoyable for a drink that you just don't want to think about And sometimes that's the perfect drink.

On the nose the vanilla is obvious. Otherwise it is just typical Beam bourbon. On the palate, the vanilla is overwhelmed by the cinnamon. Suntory claims both the vanilla and cinnamon are natural byproducts of the second barreling. It my be true with the vanilla, but it’s hard to believe the cinnamon is “natural“. This drinks like Fireball with a bit of added vanilla. It isn’t unpleasant, but a bit disappointing with all the hype. Fireball drinkers will probably like this one, other than the $11.00 price difference.

Nose is wonderful. Lots of pleasant spices and full and warm. Taste is fantastic. I don't gravitate to high proof stuff anymore and this is perfect. Very nice and sweet after a few weeks with some air in the bottle. The toasted finish shows itself with some extra vanilla and oak. Medium finish. It's a little thin due to the proof point of course, but for $20 this is a steal. Fantastic value gives it an extra half point. Strong recommend for me.