Whiskey Review/Tasting: Jim Beam 12 years Signature Craft

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Kentucky, USA.
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Aged for 12 years, which is notably longer than the typical 4 years for many Kentucky Straight Bourbons and significantly longer than Jim Beam's historical 2-year maturation. The whiskey is matured in fresh American standard barrels.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 43%.
Color and Bottle Design: The whiskey has a golden amber color. The bottle design features a very small label at the bottom, with the rest of the details printed directly on the glass to showcase the whiskey's color. The signature of James B. Beam and Fred Noe (the great-grandson of Jim Beam) are highlighted on the label.

The whiskey starts with fruity notes, followed by sweet vanilla. Spices take over, with a possible hint of rye as an ingredient in the mash bill. There's a slight oiliness, contributing to a rich and complex yet smooth and mellow profile. The spiciness is balanced, with an intense taste from the wood and a slight oakiness that becomes slightly drier. The aftertaste is not too long, with a very slight bitterness from the 12 years of wood maturation.

Jim Beam has a history of maturing their bourbon for only the legal minimum of two years, but in the last decade, they've increased this to four years. The 12-year maturation of this Signature Craft is a significant extension, offering a more complex flavor profile. The Signature Craft series is part of Jim Beam's small batch bourbon collection, which also includes Booker's, Baker's, Basil Hayden, and Knob Creek.

Jim Beam is located near Bardstown, Kentucky, in the village of Clermont. The founder's name was originally Böhm, indicating German heritage before starting the business in the US. This whiskey reflects the rich tradition of bourbon production in Kentucky, showcasing the craftsmanship and heritage of one of America's most iconic distilleries.

Horst Luening, the master taster, appreciates the bottle's design for allowing the color of the whiskey to be fully visible. He notes the whiskey's complexity and smoothness, attributing these characteristics to the extended aging process. Luening suggests that the whiskey could benefit from a slightly higher ABV to carry the flavors more effectively, but overall, he finds it suitable for a pre-dinner dram.

Jim Beam Signature Craft is a 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a 43% ABV.
It features a longer maturation period than typical for the brand, resulting in a complex flavor profile with fruity, vanilla, and spicy notes.
The whiskey is part of Jim Beam's small batch collection, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.
The bottle design highlights the whiskey's color and includes the signatures of James B. Beam and Fred Noe.
The whiskey is smooth and mellow, with a rich taste from the wood and a slight oakiness.
It is recommended as a pre-dinner dram, with a slight preference for a higher ABV for more flavor intensity.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for bourbon's history and craftsmanship will enjoy the complexity and heritage reflected in this whiskey.
Collectors: The unique bottle design and the significance of the 12-year maturation make this a worthy addition to any collection.
Beginners: Those new to bourbon might find this whiskey's smooth and mellow profile a good introduction to the category, though the complexity might be more appreciated by experienced palates.
Pre-Dinner Drink Seekers: Its smoothness and balanced flavor profile make it an excellent choice for a pre-dinner dram.