Ok before an angry “The Simpsons” style mob gathers outside my door; I know this isn’t a bourbon or indeed a whiskey really, it is a “Whiskey Liqueur” that contains bourbon. I got it from a well-meaning relative at Christmas and as I am not prejudiced, I thought I would give it a whirl.
Flavored whiskey drinks of any kind generally seem to be met with at best a slight sense of trepidation and at worst utter resentment in the whiskey community, bourbon legally cannot contain added flavoring and it is a bit of a gray area with other whiskeys. I did used to be quite partial to the Jim Beam Black Cherry many moons ago, but a honey version didn’t really tickle my fancy. Anyway, without any further ado, here is my review of the Jim Beam Honey:
On the bottle:
“Jim Beam Honey contains all the pride of the Beam family’s 220 year history with a smooth take on family tradition. Our distillers have infused sweet delicate honey liqueur with fine Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.”
Nose:
Very faint but some citrus, sherbet, honey (surprisingly!) and a hint of pepper.
Taste:
It’s very, very, very sweet. Loads of honey to the point it is almost like drinking a glass of the stuff. It has a very Hot Toddy feel to it. Some toffee apples and ginger cake then more honey. It’s also very syrupy and the sweet flavors are not subtle and natural like in bourbon, they are artificial and a little sickly.
Finish:
Very little, just a bit more honey and the slightest touch of pepper.
Summary:
It’s actually not bad if you take it for what it is. It’s too sickly sweet for me but I can imagine enjoying it if I had a cold or a sore throat and just wanted something soothing.
A bit like a dessert or after dinner wine and could make a decent aperitif.
It is also ridiculously sticky, even if you don’t spill any or touch the bottle once you’ve finished there will be a sticky residue all over the place!
If you like sweet drinks and are not keen on the higher proof stuff, at just 35% this could be a good choice for you.