SHORT REVIEW: Jim Beam Winter Reserve Bourbon

Aged for 6 years, finished in new toasted American White Oak barrels, and bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), Jim Beam Winter Reserve is made from a mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley.

COLOR: Dark copper-gold

NOSE: The aroma profile is, indeed, reminiscent of late autumn and winter holidays. Sweet cornbread; Sweet cherries; Deep toasted oak/barrel notes; Caramel; Vanilla; Sweet baking spices (chiefly cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, & cardamom); Dark brown sugar; Molasses.

The aroma profile has a deep, dark sweetness that mixes with the baking spices and toasted oak and sweet, iron skillet-cooked cornbread notes.

PALATE: Up front on the palate is a slightly bitter and metallic note that fades and shifts over to a dark sweetness of caramel-spiced vanilla mixed with cherries and cherry skins, dried baking spices (chiefly cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) that are a bit drying on the palate, and a minty English toffee note. The sip closes with a quick hit of black pepper that’s balanced by the other flavors & chiefly the dark sweet notes. The finish has a dried nut note characteristic of a lot of Jim Beam products.

MOUTHFEEL: Good viscosity that leaves slow-running tears/legs and pearls on the glass.

FINISH: Medium (around 7-8 seconds)

PRICE POINT (VA): $26.99

VALUE: Good deal, especially for the price point, which offers nice aroma and flavor profiles. It is a pleasant sipper and a robust, budget-friendly sipper.