Welcome to my review for Jim Beam Rye. Jim Beam Bourbon was my go-to bourbon all through college and beyond until I started upping my game so I'm hopeful this will be a nice throwback.
Let's get started with the basics.
Age: Unknown
Location Produced: Clermont or Frankfort, Kentucky
Mash Bill: Unknown
Tasting Notes (from manufacturer): Warm, spicy kick and a bite of black pepper, all rounded out by hints of vanilla and oak
Proof/Alcohol: 90 (45% alcohol by volume)
Who is this for?: People looking for a cheap rye that want to be disappointed
Cost (Ohio): $22.99 + tax
Let's start the review.
Taste - Score 10 out of 35
On the nose, there are definitely aromas of oak and caramel, which seems ok.... the problem for me, begin once this hits the palate. So much burn. There are hints of spice
Smoothness/Finish - Score 5 out of 25
Medium finish with lots of burn. A very strong, bitter alcohol taste... most likely from not spending enough time in the barrel. Overall, Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye just isn't pleasant to drink.
Intangibles: Color/Appearance - Score 7 out of 15.
The bottle is simple with a square design, twist off cap without cork, and stickers as labels. There is a James Beam etching below the neck, which is nice.
The color is light, almost a golden yellow, which makes me think there hasn't been much time in the barrel. In the pictures below, I wanted to get other bourbons with similar proof... The Weller is the same 90 proof and the Woodford is 90.2. Both are much darker in color than the Jim Beam Rye.
Availability - Score 5 out of 5
Like most Jim Beam products, there is plenty of availability.
Overall Value - Score 5 out of 20
I'll use one of my favorite sayings that has come out of the pandemic... just because you AmeriCAN, doesn't mean you AmeriSHOULD. Just because this rye is widely available and carries a brand name... doesn't mean it's good. I went in with an open mind hoping I would find a discount rye to keep on hand, but ended up with a bourbon that I avoided at all costs. This sat on my shelf for months because I cringed every time I thought about pouring a glass. Even over ice, I found myself pouring more and more water to lighten up the harsh taste.
As a reminder, everyone experiences tastes and smells differently so this may be one of your favorites.... for me... this is one I'll be avoiding at all costs.
Final Score: 32 out of 100 - Not one of my favorites
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
It’s very rough. Very very rough. I too had difficulty finishing the bottle.
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