A classic Jim Beam peanut scent is instantly noticeable as the sip kicks off. Leather and nutmeg reveal themselves next, while barrel char and a dry vanilla scent trot behind. A faint dry tobacco leaf note wraps things up. While the aroma may come across as simple overall, each of its scents contains enough depth and is delivered in a pleasing way.

Kicking off the midpoint, notes of light vanilla cream and chewy charred oak bubble to the top. Light spice flavors slowly push those aside as a mix of black and green peppercorns, along with a mild rye spice, comes into view. Nutmeg and a thin note of cinnamon round things out. While the flavor notes are pleasant, the mouthfeel is thin, which diminishes the impact that each flavor note is capable of imparting.

A light building rye and green peppercorn spice kicks off the end of the sip. Baking spices and cinnamon stick follow through, along with mild charred oak and leather notes. Sweet vanilla makes a quick appearance before the finish transitions to a lingering dry oak and black peppercorn spice note.

Double oak bourbons have been around for a while now, with Woodford Reserve Double Oak being one of the first available double oak bourbons from a major Kentucky distillery when it was released in 2012. Since that time, double oak bourbons have become incredibly popular with both large and small distilleries alike, and a whole slice of consumers specifically seek out these extra oaky products.

Even though Jim Beam Double Oak is a significant step up from the company’s standard Jim Beam White Label product, it may not be as oak-influenced as consumers are expecting. The extra undisclosed amount of time in a second new charred oak barrel is slightly noticeable, but only in comparison to its standard counterpart. Compared to many other double oak products, Jim Beam’s version comes across as less oak influenced, although part of this can also be attributed to its lower proof, too. In the end, the bourbon struggles to broadly display any unique characteristics, and only die-hard Beam fans will truly take the time to compare and contrast this against the standard Beam offering to notice the differences.

While Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon may struggle to stand out in the marketplace on its flavor profile, it readily does on its price. The bourbon is one of, if not the cheapest, double oak products on the market. In a time when prices seem to be rising year over year, Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon has managed to basically hold its asking price for nearly a decade now.

Due to its low price, Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon will be the introduction to the double oak category for many. While they may be surprised at the lack of depth provided by the sip, it’s hard to get mad when stores often have this on the shelf for under $25. At this price point, you’re not going to be able to beat the value the bourbon presents, and while it may not be able to compete with other double oak bourbons head-to-head, you’re still walking away with a very drinkable bourbon.

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon seems to know its place in the double oak category and isn’t afraid to own it. The bourbon’s flavor profile is forgettable when compared to most other double oak offerings; however, forgettable doesn’t mean bad either. This is an average bourbon through and through, but it makes up for it by being one of the lowest-priced double-oak bourbons on the market. In a world where prices continue to rise with or without a quality sip being provided, more brands need to be like Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon, a bourbon that knows what it is, and is priced accordingly.