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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

Bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon on a Table

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?

Man Holding Jim Beam Lineage

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:

  1. https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jim-beam-launches-lineage-a-father-and-son-collaboration-871644532.html
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/why-does-alcohol-make-you-drunk#factors

Lydia Martin

Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here or feel free to give Lydia a tip.

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