Maker: Jim Beam, Clermont/Boston, Kentucky, USA (Beam Suntory)
Age: 4 y/o (minimum)
Style: Bottled in bond bourbon (single season, single distiller, 100 proof, at least 4 years old)
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Michigan state minimum: $23
Appearance: Light copper.
Nose: Alcohol, oak, cut grass, fresh caramel corn.
Palate: Creme brulee, alcohol, tarragon.
Finish: Alcohol, creamed corn, burnt caramel.
Parting words: Bonded Beam was a staple of the Jim Beam line for decades, but was discontinued in the 1980s. Jim Beam Bonded was (re)released in 2015 at the demand of bartenders, according to Fred Noe. It has a touch of the grassy Beam Funk, but it doesn’t overwhelm. JB Bonded mixes well in everything from Coke to eggnog to Manhattans. It’s not particularly complex but it’s what one expects from a bond at this price. Speaking of price, now that Knob Creek has dropped its age statement, it might be worth looking at JB Bonded for your sipping needs if KC’s price (currently at $37 in Michigan) goes up any more. Jim Beam bonded is a good choice to work into your middle shelf mixer rotation. It is recommended.
Sipology 