Veteran Bourbon Review: Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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Jim Beam Devil’s Cut

History – Jim Beam has a very long legacy dating back to 1795. Occasionally Jim Beam comes up with a new idea for the sake of doing something new, and this is one of them. The Devils Cut is Bourbon that has soaked into barrels known as “the devil’s cut” opposed to the “angels share” where the alcohol evaporates during aging. The Devil’s Cut is extracted from the barrel using a proprietary process, then blended with “extra-aged” Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is then bottled at 90 proof. Jim Beam does not disclose what bourbon or the bourbon barrels that are being used during the process of making The Devil’s Cut.   

Value – This Bourbon is pretty cheap and considered bottom shelf. It was purchased at $23 and to be honest, for the price, it’s not terrible. I’ve had other Bourbons cost double and triple this price that are right on par with it. So, I think you are getting what you are paying for.

Appearance – The bottle is the typical Jim Beam bottle shape. It has a catchy label with good colors. It has a screw on top and is filled with a light amber colored Bourbon.

Nose – Charred Oak / Vanilla / Low Alcohol Fumes/ Light Honey  This Bourbon has predominantly charred oak and smokey notes. The smell is great to me, but I’m a big fan of heavily charred flavors. The alcohol fumes are very light, which is great. This strong charred oak smell is complimented by a sweet note, which smells like vanilla and honey. This bourbon has a surprisingly nice nose to it. 

Palate –  Medium Heat / Watery Feel / Old Oak / Bitter  This Bourbon does nothing for me on the palate. I’m just glad it doesn’t burn like fire. It is mainly old oak. I taste no char, just oak. The feel in the mouth is very watery and not oily at all. For being bourbon that was soaked into the barrel wood, the oak tannins didn’t leave it very oily, which is strange to me. Don’t get me wrong here. It’s not disgusting, it’s just drinking watery oak with a little burn.

Finish – Medium Heat / Dry / Bitter / Oak The finish is just a continuation of the palate, only leaves you with a dry bitterness in your mouth. It is worth noting that the heat level remains the same and continues to burn for about 30 seconds or so after swallowing.

Summary – I’m not too impressed to be honest. I was hoping for a little more, but I think I fell for the gimmick like everyone else. I’m very surprised that it isn’t very oily due to their marketing and name of the product. You would think it would be very oily since they are pulling out the Bourbon that was soaked into the barrel staves. Overall, I’m not going to buy this again to drink neat. If I’m throwing a party and need some smoky smelling bourbon to go with some coke, then this is it.

Uniqueness – 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 6

Nose- 1-20 – 12

Palate- 1-20 – 6

Finish- 1-20 – 5

Value- 1-20 – 10