Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Shelf Review

Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut is what happens when big bourbon companies have some extra money lying around for R&D. While most distilleries are concerned about perfecting the bourbon inside the barrel, for Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam took the extra step of extracting the liquid that is absorbed into the barrel walls during aging. This extracted liquid is than blended with “extra-aged” Jim Beam to create a bourbon that they promise has more depth and character than a standard release. Bottled at 45% ABV and with an MSRP of under $25, this is an interesting premise (and probably an even more interesting extraction method). So, let’s dive in and find out if it delivers.

Age: Non-Age Stated (but rumors are around 6 years)

ABV: 45%

Cask: New charred oak

MSRP: $22

Distillery Name: Jim Beam

Review Date: 3/31/23

Nose: Immediate Jim Beam character. Peanuts, Pine-Sol, barrel char and heavy wood. Initially sweet, then moves to darker, woody notes that mix with plastic and perfume. Bigger nose than I expected.

Palate: Light bodied. Dusty peanuts, waxy walnuts, with an exotic, sweet, sandalwood quality. Missing any caramel, toffee, or brown sugar notes.

Finish: Medium length finish that goes dry and tannic quickly. Leaves a dusty feeling in the back of the throat.  

Score: 85 

Would I buy again? This may be an unpopular opinion, but this Jim Beam Devil’s Cut is decidedly average bourbon. The nose and its premise are the best parts, while the light bodied palate seems disconnected from the bold nose. But can you fault it for around $20? Not really. But I compared this side by side to Evan Williams BiB and found that to be a superior pour in every respect – and a touch cheaper. But if you love the classic Jim Beam nutty profile and the interesting story, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut might be your perfect conversation starter.