A year or two ago, John brought home a bottle of Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 year old bourbon whiskey after one of his trips. I’ll admit—I wasn’t thrilled. I’ve never been a big fan of Jim Beam‘s offerings, often finding them uninspiring and forgettable. So, this bottle was tucked away at the back of the cupboard, collecting dust.
Fast-forward to last week, and I was hunting for something new to try. That’s when this forgotten bottle caught my eye. I decided to give it a shot and let’s just say I’m glad I did. To understand why, let’s dive into the details.
Jim Beam’s history dates back to 1795, when Johannes “Jacob” Boehm, a German immigrant, settled in Kentucky. He quickly recognized the region’s fertile soil as ideal for cultivating grains. Jacob adopted the more Americanized surname “Beam” and began distilling whiskey using leftover corn and grains from his farm.
His whiskey, initially sold as Old Jake Beam, came from the Old Tub Distillery. By 1820, Jacob’s son, David, expanded the distillery, relocating it to Nelson County to capitalize on the area’s railway network for better distribution.
In 1933, after Prohibition ended, the distillery was rebuilt in Clermont, Kentucky, and the bourbon officially became known as Jim Beam, named after Colonel James B. Beam.
Today, Jim Beam is part of the Beam Suntory conglomerate, which also owns iconic brands like Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Yamazaki, Laphroaig, and Bowmore.
In 2014, Jim Beam introduced the Signature Craft line to deliver “ultra-premium” bourbons, with the 12 year old being a permanent fixture. Other releases in the Signature Craft range include a Rare Spanish Brandy edition and a Quarter Cask release.
The Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 year old bourbon is aged in American oak barrels for over a decade, developing rich flavours and depth.
ABV: 43% (86 proof)
COLOUR: Golden amber
REGION: USA
NOSE: The nose greets you with layers of complexity, featuring notes of vanilla, ripe tropical fruits, figs, and creamy hazelnuts. Subtle hints of cinnamon and baking spices accompany oak undertones. It’s rich, warm, and inviting—a promising start.
PALATE: On the palate, the Jim Beam is bold and vibrant. Oily oak notes blend seamlessly with maple syrup sweetness, vanilla, and cinnamon. A candied fruit flavour emerges, followed by burnt sugar and a delicate touch of orange blossom. The sweetness is balanced with a light peppery kick.
Adding water softens the spice, but honestly, this bourbon doesn’t need it—it’s rich and buttery with a full-bodied mouthfeel that satisfies straight out of the bottle.
FINISH: The finish is medium in length, with lingering notes of tropical fruits, toasted oak, and cinnamon spice.
RATING: EXCELLENT
This bourbon was a revelation. The Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 year old defies the “bland and boring” stereotype I’ve come to associate with the brand. It’s big, bold, and beautifully rounded, delivering layers of flavour that keep you coming back for more.
If you’ve overlooked Jim Beam in the past, this bottle might change your mind. It’s inspired me to explore more of their premium offerings. If you happen to spot a bottle, don’t hesitate—grab it.
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