Jim Beam Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made by the Jim Beam distillery, which is located in Clermont, Kentucky. It is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which means it is made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and produced in the state of Kentucky.
Jim Beam Bourbon was first produced by the Beam family in 1795, and it has since become one of the most well-known and widely consumed brands of bourbon in the world. It is made using a mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Jim Beam Bourbon is available in several varieties, including Jim Beam White Label, Jim Beam Black Label, Jim Beam Double Oak, and Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, among others. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails.
About Jim Beam Bourbon
Ingredients: Jim Beam Bourbon is made from a mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The water used in the production process comes from a limestone spring on the distillery’s property.
Flavor: Jim Beam Bourbon has a smooth and mellow taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a classic bourbon with a medium-bodied flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Proof: Jim Beam Bourbon is typically bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), although some varieties are bottled at higher proof levels.
Usage: Jim Beam Bourbon is a versatile whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. It is a popular ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.
Production: Jim Beam Bourbon is made using a traditional production process that involves milling the grains, cooking the mash, fermenting the mixture, distilling the whiskey, and aging it in new charred oak barrels for at least four years. The barrels are stored in warehouses on the distillery’s property, where they are exposed to the natural elements and temperature fluctuations that contribute to the whiskey’s unique flavor profile.
Manufacturer: Jim Beam Bourbon is produced by the Beam Suntory company, which is based in Chicago, Illinois. The company also produces other popular whiskey brands, including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek.
- Grilled meats: The smoky flavor of grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork can complement the flavors of Jim Beam Bourbon. Try pairing it with a juicy grilled ribeye steak or a BBQ pulled pork sandwich.
- Dark chocolate: The sweetness and bitterness of dark chocolate can pair well with the smooth, mellow flavor of Jim Beam Bourbon. Try enjoying a piece of dark chocolate with a sip of bourbon for a decadent dessert pairing.
- Cheese: Aged cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese can pair well with Jim Beam Bourbon. The richness of the cheese can balance the whiskey’s flavors and bring out its sweetness.
- Nuts: Nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts can complement the nutty, oaky flavors of Jim Beam Bourbon. Try serving a bowl of mixed nuts with a glass of bourbon for a simple and satisfying pairing.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods such as buffalo wings or chili can pair well with the sweetness and smoothness of Jim Beam Bourbon. The whiskey can help to cool down the heat of the spices and enhance their flavors.
Jim Beam Bourbon can be served in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference. Here are some of the most common ways to enjoy Jim Beam Bourbon:
- Neat: Jim Beam Bourbon can be enjoyed neat, which means it is served at room temperature without any mixers or ice. This allows the whiskey’s flavors to be fully appreciated and savored.
- On the rocks: Some people prefer to enjoy Jim Beam Bourbon with a few ice cubes, which can help to mellow the whiskey’s flavors and bring out its sweetness.
- With a splash of water: Adding a splash of water to Jim Beam Bourbon can help to open up its flavors and aromas. The water can help to dilute the whiskey slightly and reduce its alcohol burn.
- In a cocktail: Jim Beam Bourbon is a versatile whiskey that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Some popular bourbon cocktails include the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Whiskey Sour.
When serving Jim Beam Bourbon, it is important to use a proper glass that allows the whiskey’s aromas to be appreciated. A Glencairn glass or a rocks glass are both good options. It is also important to store the whiskey properly, away from direct sunlight and at room temperature or slightly cooler.
- Soda: Mixing Jim Beam Bourbon with soda, such as cola or ginger ale, is a classic way to enjoy the whiskey. The sweetness and carbonation of the soda can complement the bourbon’s flavors and make for a refreshing drink.
- Fruit juice: Mixing Jim Beam Bourbon with fruit juice, such as orange juice or cranberry juice, can add a fruity flavor and sweetness to the whiskey. This can make for a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.
- Bitters: Adding a few drops of bitters, such as Angostura or Peychaud’s, to a glass of Jim Beam Bourbon can help to enhance its flavors and bring out its complexity. This is a common addition to classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
- Vermouth: Mixing Jim Beam Bourbon with vermouth, such as sweet vermouth or dry vermouth, can create a flavorful and complex cocktail. This is the basis for classic bourbon cocktails like the Manhattan.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to a glass of Jim Beam Bourbon can add sweetness and depth to the whiskey’s flavors. This is a popular way to enjoy the whiskey in the colder months, when warm and cozy drinks are more appealing.
7 Jim Beam Bourbon Cocktail Recipes
Classic Cocktails
- Old Fashioned
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Cherry
- Ice
In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and a splash of water until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice and pour in the Jim Beam Bourbon. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
- Manhattan
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry
- Ice
In a mixing glass, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Mint Julep
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 tsp. sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
In a mint julep cup or rocks glass, muddle the sugar and mint leaves until the sugar is dissolved. Add crushed ice and pour in the Jim Beam Bourbon. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Modern Cocktails
- Bourbon Sour
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Spiced Pear Bourbon Smash
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. pear juice
- 1/2 oz. honey syrup
- 1/4 oz. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Pear slice
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, pear juice, honey syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pear slice.
- Ginger Bourbon Fizz
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1/2 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. ginger syrup
- Club soda
- Candied ginger
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, lime juice, and ginger syrup with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with candied ginger.
- Caramel Apple Bourbon Martini
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. apple cider
- 1 oz. caramel syrup
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, apple cider, and caramel syrup with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
5 Mind-Blowing Jim Beam Bourbon Cocktails
- Kentucky Mule
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- Mint sprig
- Ice
In a copper mug, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer with ice. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch
- 1 1/2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. RumChata
- 1 oz. Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
- Cinnamon sugar
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, RumChata, and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar.
- Maple Bourbon Smash
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. maple syrup
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- Fresh rosemary sprig
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
- Smoked Maple Old Fashioned
- 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1/2 oz. smoked maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Ice
In a mixing glass, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, smoked maple syrup, and bitters with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
- Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer
- 1 1/2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 oz. peach schnapps
- 3 oz. lemonade
- 3 oz. iced tea
- Lemon wedge
- Ice
In a shaker, combine the Jim Beam Bourbon, peach schnapps, lemonade, and iced tea with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.