Jim Beam vs Jack Daniels (my thoughts)

[mike46]

The only time I drink whisky straight up is with a cigar, and usually Canadian Rye, but I do like American whiskys as well.  So over the past year or two, I have picked up four bottles of whisky made in the US, two of Jim Beam and two of Jack Daniels, both their "regular" type, and I've made my way through both.  I really prefer the Jack Daniels, I find it much tastier, maybe sweeter and not quite so bitter tasting.  I realize the JB is bourbon and the JD is Tennessee whisky but really, aren't both pretty much the same recipe other than the filtering process?  Anyways, from now on it'll be Jack for me since I think it's a better drink for my taste buds.  But I'd take a drink or a bottle of Jim Beam as a freebie if it were offered for sure.

[ROTHNH]

Some say it's the water.  Others swear it's the mash.  Some believe it's the filtering process.  I say whatever.  Like cigars, what's best is what you like the most.

While I usually drink Jameson's (Irish - the original and the 12 year for a treat), as far as bourbon goes, I actually prefer the cheaper stuff, like Evan Williams, McKenna's and Rebel Yell, to name a few I enjoy  -- they have a satisfying bite and a pleasant smokiness (I drink whisky straight with one ice cube) and they also work well in mixed drinks for guests.

[Ken Kelley]

The bourbon guys here seem to hard core over on JD...Tennessee mule piss was the kindest thing I heard said about it. Knob Creek seems to be acceptable but the mental image that brings up I just can't deal with!  

[87North]

My go to bourbon is Evan Williams, I've yet to find a smoother more easy going regular production bourbon.  I have to say of the premiums out there though I probably like Woodford Reserve the absolute best.  I generally consider Jim Beam to be the very bottom or entry level bourbon...  

[Brlesq]

Mike you should drink what you like and like what you drink.  So if JD is your preference and you don't mind paying more for it, then you should do it.  I find it to be a bit smoother than Beam.

Jim Beam is KY bourbon, at least 51% from corn, and fermented in charred, new oak barrels.

Jack Daniels is TN sour mash whiskey (not bourbon), fermented in old and partially used barrels, and then charcoal filtered to get the color.  (Before the filtering, it is an almost  clear alcohol.)

Personally, I only use either of these for mixing with a Coke or a whiskey sour.  There are many, many more enjoyable and tasty bourbons/whiskeys on the market.  Beam actually makes some much better small batch bourbon (Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's, Booker's and Baker's).  

Buffalo Trace Distillery makes some of the best small batch bourbons, IMHO (14 different kinds, to be exact).  Eagle Rare is an affordable everyday favorite at about $27/bottle.  Five special bourbons (the ''Antique Collection") are released once a year in October. I particularly enjoy two:   George T. Stagg at 142.6 proof!! uncut and unfiltered;  and Eagle Rare 17 - a 90 proof beauty, ultra smooth and aged 17 years .  These two are very hard to find, so if you do see them, grab'em!  (Only one local shop in Upstate NY can get them, and then only 3 bottles of each brand, and guess who got 1 of each?? )

[mountedshriner]

Jim Beam Black Label! End of story.

[mike46]

Brlesq - 11/4/2011  6:36 PM

Mike you should drink what you like and like what you drink.  So if JD is your preference and you don't mind paying more for it, then you should do it.  I find it to be a bit smoother than Beam.

Jim Beam is KY bourbon, at least 51% from corn, and fermented in charred, new oak barrels.

Jack Daniels is TN sour mash whiskey (not bourbon), fermented in old and partially used barrels, and then charcoal filtered to get the color.  (Before the filtering, it is an almost  clear alcohol.)

Personally, I only use either of these for mixing with a Coke or a whiskey sour.  There are many, many more enjoyable and tasty bourbons/whiskeys on the market.  Beam actually makes some much better small batch bourbon (Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's, Booker's and Baker's).  

Buffalo Trace Distillery makes some of the best small batch bourbons, IMHO (14 different kinds, to be exact).  Eagle Rare is an affordable everyday favorite at about $27/bottle.  Five special bourbons (the ''Antique Collection") are released once a year in October. I particularly enjoy two:   George T. Stagg at 142.6 proof!! uncut and unfiltered;  and Eagle Rare 17 - a 90 proof beauty, ultra smooth and aged 17 years .  These two are very hard to find, so if you do see them, grab'em!  (Only one local shop in Upstate NY can get them, and then only 3 bottles of each brand, and guess who got 1 of each?? )

Interesting stuff, I would like to try some of those.  I forgot to mention in my original post that the selection up here for bourbons etc. is VERY limited, so we would normally only see the so-called "everyday" or well-known brands that are nationally advertised, etc.  A guy might find some of those other lines at one of the boutique stores which I don't frequent.  My usual whisky drink (straight up and mixed) is called Alberta Premium, a Canadian "rye" whisky.  The strange thing about Canadian rye whisky is that there are very few of the ryes up here that are made from 100% rye grain, most are blends.  Alberta Premium is a 100% rye grain whisky, and it is one of the less expensive (but not the cheapest) of the Canadian rye whiskies.

[ROTHNH]

I've actually had that!  Many years ago -- that Alberta Rye was 25 years old and mighty tasty.  Memorable, for sure  

[Brlesq]

For Canadian whisky, I've been drinking Wiser's Deluxe for about 25 years.  Nice & smooth.

[horrido]

Ummm does it have alcohol = yes. I drink it. Had Jimmy B and my friend Jack they are ok but I prefer 12 to 18 year old scotch (Bomore) etc there are more. Jack straight is good so is Jim but it can be on very bad hang over if your not careful. I don't do that anymore its hard on the body. So scotch and a cigar I am very happy and I mean very happy. As mentioned just drink what you like but try something different......oh ya almost forgot I tried the Kraken Rum from some of the suggestions here and I do like it alot very smooth and tasty.  

[RoscozRevenge]

My burbon experience is limited but I do have a bottle of eagle rare that I really like. If you are wanting to try something you are having touble finding let me know Mike. I have a few places with fantastic selections and decent prices in Lethbridge. Oh. And if you want an ultra smooth Canadian blended whiskey, I recommend Danielsons 15 year old. Three fingers neat... Yummers!

[MT21]

Brlesq - 11/4/2011  6:04 PM

For Canadian whisky, I've been drinking Wiser's Deluxe for about 25 years.  Nice & smooth.

Try 40 Creek Whiskey. (Canadian)  Very smooth with much deeper flavors.

[Mozwik]

Bruce, great recommendations, I am now on a search. My recommendation for regular high street brands would be Woodford Reserve, a very smooth KY bourbon. I went to the Labrot and Graham distillery some years back, nice use of the blue grass water  

[grabow66]

I cant handle the smell of bourbon or rye. I drank one swallow of Evan Williams green label once and puked my guts up. Since I have had part of my stomach removed, drinking is not much of an option for me now. I do get a craving for a really good vodka now and then. So I guess all I can say is that if you like it, drink it.

[nwb]

If I had to pick one of the two, I prefer Jack.

The best value for the $ - Eagle Rare.  Thanks go out to Bruce for recommending it.

[Beegerply]

I've drank both Jack and Jim over the years but have never been a big bourbon or whiskey guy.  I do however like scotch although not the heavy peaty tasteing types

[gitfiddl]

Jim Beam in mixed drinks and Jack Daniels straight.

[87North]

grabow66 - 11/5/2011  3:58 AM

I cant handle the smell of bourbon or rye. I drank one swallow of Evan Williams green label once and puked my guts up. Since I have had part of my stomach removed, drinking is not much of an option for me now. I do get a craving for a really good vodka now and then. So I guess all I can say is that if you like it, drink it.

I've often wondered why they even bother to make Evan Williams Green label   For the black label to be so good that green is awful.  I've never seen anybody drink Green label that didn't puke...

[compton_jer]

out of the two id have to go with Jim Beam. never liked the taste of JD, but i will drink it if its around when smoking a cigar.

[jason_mazzy]

Evan williams # 10. its suck a great bourbon on such a low profile. Fighting cock also another great for the $ bourbon.

[Foe]

1792 is my current favorite, followed by Eagle Rare, Bulliet (sp?), then Makers Mark. I'm currently enjoying JB Black, however. Jack is tasty on occasion but it's lower tier IMO.

[southernrun]

Makers is pretty good.

but if I'm out in a bar or club and the scotch prices are too steep, I just go for a double jack with a splash of water.

[Herfin' Chef]

mountedshriner - 11/4/2011  8:36 PM

Jim Beam Black Label! End of story.

x2

[Stogie Joe]

Brlesq - 11/4/2011  8:36 PM

Mike you should drink what you like and like what you drink.  So if JD is your preference and you don't mind paying more for it, then you should do it.  I find it to be a bit smoother than Beam.

Jim Beam is KY bourbon, at least 51% from corn, and fermented in charred, new oak barrels.

Jack Daniels is TN sour mash whiskey (not bourbon), fermented in old and partially used barrels, and then charcoal filtered to get the color.  (Before the filtering, it is an almost  clear alcohol.)

Personally, I only use either of these for mixing with a Coke or a whiskey sour.  There are many, many more enjoyable and tasty bourbons/whiskeys on the market.  Beam actually makes some much better small batch bourbon (Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's, Booker's and Baker's).  

Buffalo Trace Distillery makes some of the best small batch bourbons, IMHO (14 different kinds, to be exact).  Eagle Rare is an affordable everyday favorite at about $27/bottle.  Five special bourbons (the ''Antique Collection") are released once a year in October. I particularly enjoy two:   George T. Stagg at 142.6 proof!! uncut and unfiltered;  and Eagle Rare 17 - a 90 proof beauty, ultra smooth and aged 17 years .  These two are very hard to find, so if you do see them, grab'em!  (Only one local shop in Upstate NY can get them, and then only 3 bottles of each brand, and guess who got 1 of each?? )

I can't let you mention Buffalo Trace without bring up Ancient Ancient Age (The true 10 year bourbon and not the one with the stars).  IMO, it is just about the best bourbon you can get for the money.  If I have my preference I'm drinking Four Roses Single Barrel, but Triple A is definitely near the top of my list.

[lukin]

I prefer Jim Beam if I have to go cheap, or wild turkey. But I rarely get the cheap bourbon since I pretty much only drink it straight.

For the higher dollar stuff, I heartily recommend Whiskey River (Willie Nelson's bourbon) and Maker's Mark which is way cheap if you get it at Costco.  Booker's is also delicious but a little more expensive than I can usually afford.  I've been drinking High West Double Rye lately and it is awesome as well.

I don't usually have bourbon with cigars though as I think it overpowers the cigar wheras Scotch complements it much better.