Review: Jim Beam Black 7 Years Old (2025)

This is by my count the fourth revision of Jim Beam Black Label since we started Drinkhacker in 2007. After updates in 2010, 2015, and 2016, “Jim Beam Black” has been fully reimagined with a new bottle, a higher proof, and a lower age statement — now 7 years instead of 8. Clearly designed to be “one louder” than good-old White Label, the new Jim Beam Black (no more “Label” in the name) is designed to stand out ever so slightly against its younger, cheaper sibling — while still remaining fully gettable and at a very reasonable price.

Let’s give the latest JBB a try.

Jim Beam Black 7 Years Old (2025) Review

There’s an immediate sweetness that’s evident in this 7 year old expression that I don’t totally connote with White Label, which is heavily laden with roasted peanuts, crushed along with their shells. Brown sugar and some honey pop on a nose that’s surprisingly dense. Here, bold breakfast cereal notes are both well-sweetened and well-spiced, touched with red pepper and cinnamon, later nutmeg. All told it’s a versatile and well-rounded whiskey, inviting without being overly complex.

The palate kicks off with a surprisingly rich body — an extra 2% abv makes more difference than you’d expect — and the flavor of well-browned butter. Milk chocolate, a mix of baking spices, and a hint of peppery heat all come into play on a palate that doesn’t exactly go off script, but which hits all the Beam-tastic highlights. Caramel lingers, and the vanilla is ever-present but soft. There’s not much fruit here (nor a particular woodiness) aside from a touch of apple and mashed banana, as the whiskey returns to chewy milk chocolate and nougat notes for its modest finish.

For 20 bucks it’s definitely a solid upgrade over White Label and an immense value in the world of bourbon.

90 proof.

B+ / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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