Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut Review

Aged for five to six years, non-chill filtered and delivered at 100 proof, the Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut is a nice pure expression of the classic Jim Beam profile. Released as a limited edition it’s all but disappeared. So if this ends up sounding tasty to you I wouldn’t hesitate on snagging a bottle should you see it.

Jim Beam Distiller's Cut

Like the Jim Beam Repeal Batch, the Distiller’s Cut is only screen filtered to remove char and bits of barrel from the whiskey. They eschew the popular chill filtering that removes oils and fats that can come out of solution and cause “flocking” when the whiskey gets cold. To educate the customer on this they include a nice little bit of education on the bottle; I love that they’re doing that. On to the review.

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Jim Beam’s Words: Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut

“We skipped the chill filtration process, so the liquid gets from barrel to bottle a little differently,” said Noe. “The result is unique to other Jim Beam offerings, with a fuller taste and longer finish compared to your typical bourbon.”

Jim Beam Distiller's Cut Color

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Jim Beam
Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 5 Years
ABV: 50%

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Price: $23*

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut Tasting Notes

EYE
Amber

NOSE
Corn, caramel, vanilla, spice, oak, fruit, biscuity and a bit of citrus, char and spice.

PALATE
Corn, caramel, vanilla, bergamot, oak, herbal undertones and some bits of baking spice and citrus peels.

FINISH
Med-long – Spice, corn, vanilla, toffee and citrus.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance, medium-full body and a soft oily feel.

Jim Beam Distiller's Cut is a bold rich bourbon that’s only missing a bit more oaky depth to kick it higher up the rankings. Good stuff.

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut Review: OVERALL

I’m totally digging this Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut. Aroma has a nice balance of rustic and sweet, palate keeps that balance and the finish carries it through. It’s easy to drink but bold enough that I have actively been reaching for it on the shelf since I got it.

It is a tad light and could use a bit more oak on it overall, but for basically being Jim Beam White – just a tad older, cut at 50% and non-chill filtered – it’s phenomenal… and a bit sad. Between this bourbon and the Jim Beam Repeal Batch, I’m seeing just how good the standard JBW is when it comes out of the barrel.

I understand economics play a huge role here and I don’t want to get into that so I’ll just say this. The JB Distiller’s Cut, and Repeal, make for a fascinating case study in how significantly adding water and chill filtering affects a whiskey.

SCORE: 86/100 (B)

Jim Beam Distiller's Cut Review