A little known distillery out of Clermont, KY, Jim Beam lays claim to a long history. While technically becoming the brand name known today in 1943 upon rebuilding the business after prohibition, the Beam family has been producing whiskey for many generations. In 1795, Jacob Beam began selling his Old Jake Beam Sour Mash whiskey. In 2014, Suntory Holdings purchased Jim Beam from Fortune Brands creating the Beam Suntory whiskey conglomerate. Fortune previously bought Jim Beam from the Beam family in 1968. Today we look at one of the many varieties produced under the Jim Beam banner with the Jim Beam Devil’s Cut review.

Devil’s Cut contains a mash bill of corn (at least 51%), rye and barley. This is the standard Jim Beam mash bill, although the exact percentages are guarded. Like the rest of their bourbons, Devil’s Cut also enjoys limestone filtered Kentucky water and an heirloom yeast dating back to 1933. So why the name? Devil’s Cut includes a proprietary process to extract the liquid trapped in the barrels during aging and incorporate it into the final product. The whiskey clocks in at 90 proof (45% ABV) and carries an age statement of 6 years. On to damnation with Devil’s Cut!

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, Devil’s Cut emits a golden wheat coloring that borders on lightness. In the glass, its shade shifts to resemble a lager beer. Giving it a swirl produces a thick coating that gives way to moderate sized beads. These beads descend in a staggered fashion with nice legs. Though considered one of the distillery’s refined products, the bottle and labeling itself comes across campy rather than sophisticated.

Nose

Lifting the whiskey to the nose creates a prickle that leads to a drying effect. Initially, a tart sweetness not unlike a raspberry comes through. Underneath this, an even sweeter though creamy effect emerges – subtle banana with hints of roasted marshmallow. A bran muffin also mixes in providing a leveling for the otherwise runaway sweetened scent. Finally, a modicum of apricot peeps out. Though a bit light, the nose comes across very nicely and enjoyably.

Palate

In the mouth, Devil’s Cut creates a coating sensation with a noticeably balanced body. The sweetness continues with maraschino cherries notes initially dominating. The standard Kentucky Bourbon corn profile emerges at this point, and eventually yields to a mild charcoal taste and effect. The palate ends on a familiar sweet note as a shadow of a marshmallow flirts through. Though not overtly complex, the palate is nonetheless smooth and tasty with an underlying richness.

Finish

Moving along to the finish, Devil’s Cut finally gains some spice. Initially, this spice takes the form of a spicy yellow pepper and eventually transitions into a sort of ginger. The effect rather than the taste develops for the ginger, however. The sweetness continues in the finish as well taking the form of a cola. As it ends, the ginger snaps back for a finish that hangs around without wearing out the welcome.

Drinkability

This bourbon works nicely neat or on the rocks. The water essentially melds the sweetness together forming a sweet tea feeling and taste. While drinking Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, it may transport you to a humid day sitting on a wraparound porch with a meandering ceiling fan swirling above. Inexplicably, you may even find yourself sitting next to dapper individuals in seersucker suits or Bouffant dresses.

Food Pairing

Serve light hors d’oeuvre with Devil’s Cut. A plate of dried fruits with soft cheeses and artisan sesame crackers would fit the easy nonchalant attitude of the whiskey.

Facial Hair Rating

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut receives the Mutton Chops Facial Hair Rating. To achieve the mutton chop look obviously requires foresight, planning, and determination. Despite all this, the look evinces an unhurried casualness that imparts a degree of comfort. Though somewhat exotic, the look somehow feels familiar.

Overall

To conclude the Jim Beam Devil’s Cut review, a smooth and balanced whiskey emerges. Though not exactly breaking new ground here and containing noticeable common elements of a Kentucky Bourbon, Devil’s Cut does enough to ward off a generic profile. While perhaps not a complex endeavor, the notes do offer enough variety to capture and hold one’s attention. The flavors work well together and allow for easy drinking. I wouldn’t showcase Devil’s Cut or necessarily go out of my way to keep it on hand. However, I also wouldn’t mind it showing up from time to time in the rotation.

Final Grade: B

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