Jim Beam Bourbon substitutes
The closest substitute for Jim Beam Bourbon is Bourbon, which works and barely changes the drink. Any bourbon works. Jack Daniels and Rye Whiskey also work.
What to use instead of Jim Beam Bourbon
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
BourbonAlmost the same Any bourbon works. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV | +1 point |
Jack DanielsAlmost the same Same amount | Same amount | 40–47% ABV | About the same |
Rye WhiskeyWorks, tastes different Drier and spicier. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV | +2 points |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Jim Beam Bourbon, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Three Wise Men
10ml (⅓ oz) Jim Beam Bourbon → 10ml (⅓ oz) Bourbon
About 40% ABV → about 41% ABV+1 point
How they compare
| Property | Jim Beam Bourbon | Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40% ABV | 40–50% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet corn, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Medium body | Sweet corn, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Gentle spice |
| Aroma | Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, Corn sweetness, Light spice | Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Corn sweetness, Baking spices |
| Finish | Warm, Sweet, Oak, Medium length | Warm, Sweet, Medium to long, Oak tannins |
| Property | Jim Beam Bourbon | Jack Daniels |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40% ABV | 40–47% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet corn, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Medium body | Smooth, Caramel, Vanilla, Light banana, Oak |
| Aroma | Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, Corn sweetness, Light spice | Banana, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak |
| Finish | Warm, Sweet, Oak, Medium length | Smooth, Sweet, Medium |
What is Jim Beam Bourbon?
Jim Beam is the world's best-selling bourbon, made in Kentucky since 1795. A straightforward American whiskey used in shots and simple mixed drinks.
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Questions about Jim Beam Bourbon substitutes
What is the best substitute for Jim Beam Bourbon?
Bourbon is the closest substitute for Jim Beam Bourbon and barely changes the drink. Any bourbon works. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Jim Beam Bourbon in a Three Wise Men?
Bourbon: swap 10ml (⅓ oz) of Jim Beam Bourbon for 10ml (⅓ oz) of Bourbon. It ends up about 41% ABV instead of about 40% (before the ice melts).
Does Bourbon instead of Jim Beam Bourbon change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Three Wise Men, which goes from about 40% to about 41% ABV (before the ice melts). The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Jim Beam Bourbon?
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