Jim Beam Devil's Cut Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Kentucky, USA.
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The Devil's Cut utilizes a unique process to extract the whiskey absorbed in the barrel's wood, a technique with a patent pending by Jim Beam. This involves adding water to the barrel, tumbling it to extract the whiskey from the wood, and then reducing the original whiskey's strength with this water to achieve 45% ABV (90 proof).
Age Statement: Not specified, but the focus is on the extraction process rather than aging.
Color and Clarity: Not described in detail.
Bottle Design: Mentioned as a plastic miniature, likely designed for airline service, suggesting a practical rather than aesthetic focus.

Balance of Flavors: Expected to be more oaky with a bit of bitterness due to the extraction process. The actual tasting confirms a strong oak presence, with spiciness and a hint of cinnamon.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its method of incorporating flavors from the barrel's wood, leading to a pronounced oakiness and a longer aftertaste. A slight taste of glue is mentioned but is not predominant.
Comparison: Described as a significant improvement over the Jim Beam Black Label but still considered "quite normal stuff" compared to Jim Beam's higher-end bourbons like Baker's and Booker's.

Interesting Anecdotes: The concept of the Devil's Cut is introduced as the opposite of the Angel's Share, focusing on the whiskey absorbed by the barrel's wood rather than what evaporates. The process of extracting this whiskey is highlighted as innovative and patented by Jim Beam.

Historical Context: The terms "Angel's Share" and "Devil's Cut" play on traditional distilling lore, with the former being well-known across whiskey cultures and the latter being a unique branding and production concept by Jim Beam.

Personal Opinions: Horst Luening, the master taster, expresses a preference for the Devil's Cut over the Black Label, noting its distinct oakiness and complexity. However, he also positions it as relatively standard within the broader context of Jim Beam's product line.
Quotes: "Definitely a giant leap forward" in comparison to the Black Label, but "to the real bourbons from Jim Beam there is more to come."

Jim Beam Devil's Cut is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a unique production method that extracts whiskey absorbed in the barrel's wood.
The flavor profile is notably oaky, with a bit of bitterness, spiciness, and a hint of cinnamon.
The concept plays on the traditional notion of the Angel's Share, offering a novel "Devil's Cut" as its counterpart.
Considered an improvement over the Black Label but still within the "normal" range of Jim Beam's offerings.
The innovative extraction process and the use of a plastic miniature bottle for airline service are highlighted.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Those interested in unique production methods and the story behind their whiskey might find the Devil's Cut intriguing.
Casual Drinkers: Individuals looking for a bourbon with a strong oak flavor profile and a moderate price point may appreciate this offering.
Collectors: While not the most premium offering from Jim Beam, the unique concept of the Devil's Cut might make it a novel addition to a collection.