Jim Beam Small Batch
Intro:
Our Small Batch was crafted exclusively for Australia and New Zealand. It's a premium Jim Beam expression made in small batches as the name suggests. It also has a unique addition of Port to complement the sweet oaky notes of the Jim Beam Bourbon.
Review:
Nose - No astringency whatsoever. A very light sweet aroma...not much spice involved. Not sure if that is the effect of the Port addition, but it is pleasant.
Rub - The rub is good at bringing out the smells of barrel, earthy tones, and yeast. A couple attempts and I get mostly the yeast with this one. Also pleasant.
Taste - No burn on the lips at all. Light heat on the back of the tongue....not much heat with the finish. It doesn't really have the overall spice characteristics expected from a bourbon, but it is tasty in it's own way. I want to say the Port washes over the flavors of the bourbon itself, much like on the nose. I would like to see Beam attempt this again with a higher proof or less Port.
Is it worth the $?
I got this for free from my dad....so yeah, it is certainly worth that. The price I found online was $60. I think for some who want a smooth, nontraditional spicy bourbon, this is a good price....it has a great flavor.