Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece PX Sherry Finish Bourbon

jeffholson

Oct 4

3 min read

**Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece PX Sherry Finish Bourbon with case**

Some Bourbons Are Worth Saving the Last Pour!

There are lots of great of bourbons you can buy, and then there are bottles that your friends know you need to try before the bottle disappears. That just happend recently when our friends and fellow bourbon enthusiasts, Ryan and Brandee. They had one of those bottles. Ryan told me he had something I had to try and some how he managed to save the last glass of Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece for me.

As my readers know, I like the little things, like selecting the perfect bar glass for my cocktail helps make the experience more enjoyable. So when I saw this bottle, it immediately caught my attention before I ever got to the whiskey. Turns out it's a throwback to a bottle Beam released decades ago - it has that old-school look that makes you think somebody at the distillery took this one seriously.

And they did.

As I dug into the origins of this rendition, I discoved this is Jim Beam's wine-finished bourbon, but this time finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry casks.

What’s in the Bottle?

The bourbon carries no specific age statement, although it is selected from older stock and is reported to be in the 10- to 12-year range. Jim Beam describes it simply as “extra aged.”

The mash bill is 77% corn, 13% rye and 10% malted barley. It comes in at 100 proof so I used a large ice cube to dilute it a bit. Turns out it’s not hot so I don’t think a cube was necessary.

I had never heard of Pedro Ximénez sherry. As it happens it is incredibly rich and sweet Spanish dessert sherry. The casks used to age it can leave behind flavors of raisins, dates, figs, dark chocolate and caramel.

That sounds pretty good already.

The Oregon Man Tasting

Nose —

Sherry oak hits first.

Then dates and citrus. Dark chocolate-covered raisins.

Whiskey affisonodo’s will laugh at this one but I could swear I could taste Werther's caramel candy with the second sip. It's rich without being overly sweet, and there is enough oak in it to remind you this is still bourbon.

Taste —

Big and thick - not unlike Woodford Double Double Oak.

Caramel and toffee come first, followed by oaky fruit. Then chocolate, a little salt and a touch of cinnamon. I make it sound like an after dinner desert but trust me it’s still all Bourbon. And at 100 proof, it will keep all that sweetness in check.

Finish —

This is my favorite part.

Imagine sitting in a big leather chair in a cigar lounge

The bourbon leaves you with tobacco, dark fruit and sweet oak, followed by a slow, warming burn that keeps the taste around. I’d say it’s a Medium to long finish. Exactly what I want from a whiskey like this.

The Oregon Man Verdict

As good as anything we've had in a long, long while.

Honestly, this is one of those whiskeys that makes it difficult to find something negative to say. The nose delivers. The palate delivers. The finish delivers.

Everything is working. I was surprised how much I liked the dark fruit, chocolate and sweetness that the PX Sherry brought but the bourbon gives you the oak, tobacco and spice I love.

The only problem?

Ryan and Brandy had already given me the last glass.

I may need to make some new friends. Ha Ha

Oregon Man Rating

95 / 100

The Cigar - Liga Privada No. 9.

I've had this cigar before, and its earthy character, espresso notes and rich tobacco make it a natural partner for this bourbon. The PX Sherry brings the dark fruit and chocolate. The bourbon brings caramel, oak and spice. The Liga brings earth, espresso and tobacco.

Put all three together and you've got one hell of an evening.