For Christmas, I received this advent calendar created by
Jim Beam and featuring miniatures of their popular flavored releases as well as the traditional
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and
Black Extra Aged. The Kentucky Straight is created using a low rye mash bill of 75% corn, 23% rye, and 12% malted barley and is a classic bourbon by definition. This means that it was created using more than 51% corn, aged in new charred American white oak barrels, and meets the appropriate
ABV marks. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon moniker simply means the whiskey was aged more than two years within the Bluegrass state. The Black Extra Aged is the baseline Kentucky Straight aged further - averaging around six years in barrel and a slightly higher proof 43 versus 40.
I decided to sip both the Kentucky Straight and the Black Extra Aged side by side, each poured over an ice cube. They have a similar caramelized corn and vanilla aroma which is actually stronger with the Straight. This is an approachable bourbon, definitely watery for stronger tastes, but at $15 per 750ml -- enough flavor, finish, and minimum burn for the price. The Black Extra Aged has, as expected, a deeper profile with more spice notes, is smoother and provides a bigger kick, and has a longer finish. That being said, I'm not sure it's worth the extra $10, for a mixer, I would go with the Kentucky Straight and for a sipper -- I would look elsewhere.
