What Proof Is Jim Beam Bourbon? Unveiling the Strength (2023)
Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Lydia Martin
I’ve encountered my fair share of surprises when it comes to alcohol strength, especially whenever I mix it with cocktails and mixed drinks.
Once you have mixed distilled spirits with other beverages, it becomes harder to track your alcohol intake, getting you intoxicated before you know it.
So, in this article, I will cover one of the best-selling and most popular bourbons in the world: What proof is Jim Beam?
All About Jim Beam Bourbon’s Alcohol Proof
Jim Beam has various products, from cocktails with 5% ABV, liqueurs with 35%, and bourbon with 40 to 50% ABV.
“Bourbon, though, is a shapeshifter. It can be a refined drink, or it can be rough, depending on how it’s served and who’s drinking it.” – Reid Mitenbuler, Writer
Jim Beam does not disclose their mash bills, but it is the typical combination of corn (at least 51%), rye, and malted barley. The bourbons are at least four years old, aged using new charred barrels where they derive their flavors.
On the other hand, the liqueurs are also a Jim Beam bourbon infused with different flavors. Find out more about how long Jim Beam is aged here.
Jim Beam Straight Bourbon Whiskey ABV Cheat Sheet
| Variant | Alcohol Proof |
| Jim Beam & Ginger Highball | 10 |
| Jim Beam Classic Highball | 10 |
| Jim Beam Apple | 70 |
| Jim Beam Honey | 70 |
| Jim Beam Old Tub | 100 |
| Jim Beam Orange | 65 |
| Jim Beam Peach | 65 |
| Jim Beam Repeal Batch | 86 |
| Jim Beam Rye | 80 |
| Jim Beam Vanilla | 70 |
| Jim Beam Bourbon Cream | 30 |
| Kentucky Coolers | 10 |
| Red Stag by Jim Beam | 70 |
| Jim Beam Black Label Bourbon | 86 |
| Jim Beam Bonded Bourbon | 100 |
| Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon | 90 |
| Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon | 86 |
| Jim Beam Kentucky Fire (Cinnamon Flavored Bourbon) | 70 |
| Jim Beam Original Bourbon (White Label) | 80 |
| Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Bourbon | 90 |
| Jim Beam Signature Craft Bourbon Series | 86 |
| Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon | 108 |
What’s The Strongest Jim Beam Bourbon?
By far, the strongest Jim Beam Bourbon is the ‘Lineage,’ which is 55.5% ABV, released in 2021 for around $250. This bourbon was a significant blend for Jim Beam, featuring two generations of Master Distillers, Fred and Freddie Noe [1].
“Jim Beam is a pleasant surprise. While it may not be an exceptional standout, it showcases a harmonious blend, with no overpowering notes or out of place.” – Liquor Laboratory
The first sip of this bourbon greeted me with a heavy, sticky, dark fruit character with an even more assertive oak presence. I can also taste roasted nuts, a rich caramel hint, cinnamon, and dark fruity flavors.
The second sip demands attention with dark flavors and a brooding mouthfeel.
FAQs
Is Jim Beam a strong drink?
Yes, Jim Beam is a strong alcoholic beverage with variants containing 100 proof, like Jim Beam Bonded and Old Tub.
However, Jim Beam has also released expressions like Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon with 108 proof and Lineage with alcohol proof reaching 111.
Can Jim Beam be drunk straight?
Absolutely! You can take Jim Beam straight, especially those special releases and limited editions. You can also add ice if the alcohol is too strong or mix in soda and juice.
Is Jim Beam a cheap whiskey?
Yes, the standard Jim Beam Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is less than $15, making it one of the cheapest. It is a decent bourbon with flavors like cinnamon, caramel, and nutty honey with hints of toast and red apple aroma.
Will four shots of Jim Beam get you drunk?
Yes, four shots of Jim Beam Bourbon can get you drunk. Aside from having a high alcohol content, the speed of your consumption, age, weight, and overall health can affect how much alcohol can get you drunk [2].
Is Jim Beam bottled at 80-proof?
Yes, the standard Jim Beam is bottled at 80 proof, making it a classic, versatile, and affordable choice for bourbon enthusiasts. But is Jim Beam bourbon or whiskey?
In Summary
Jim Beam’s diverse range of proofs and flavors allows you to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, depending on your preference.
It has a wide range of expressions with different flavors and alcohol content. You can buy Jim Beam cocktails, liqueurs (apple, honey, and cream), and whiskeys (Jim Beam bourbon and rye). Some variants are budget-friendly, while others are in the premium category.
For example, Jim Beam White Label is the most recognizable and affordable brand in the world. It offers the usual caramel taste, cinnamon, and vanilla flavor derived from the barrels as they aged.
From 5% ABV to 55.5% ABV, there is a Jim Beam expression suitable to your taste and budget.
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jim-beam-launches-lineage-a-father-and-son-collaboration-871644532.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/why-does-alcohol-make-you-drunk#factors
