Appearance

I went with my typical Glencairn whiskey glass for this review of the Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece. A lush mahogany sure makes the palate salivate.

Aroma

No doubt the sherry comes through in big waves. Sweet plums, cherries and a hint of green under-ripe strawberries. I’m also getting non sherry notes such as grass, oak and baking spices.

Flavor

The first couple of sips give a tremendous number of sherry notes from jammy and near rotten plums, medium bodied cream, cherry and berries. But the more sips I take, I’m realizing more of a rye spice coming through as well as some herbal tea qualities.

Balance

Balance is good being at a respectable 100 proof in which the heat is non-existent and the flavors pull through just fine.

Finish

With all the stone fruits, berries, tea and spices coming through on the nose and palate, the finish is a bit short. I’m still getting all the nosing and palate notes, but wish it was lingering on for much longer.

Overall

Two pronged approach to the overall experience. Agnostic of price, the Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece is a tasty sherry finished bourbon. The deep sherry notes with good rye spices, tea, oak, etc is complex and well executed. But I can’t get behind a $199 MSRP (I bought it for $180) bottle when I know there are other finished bourbons out there that cost less and taste just as good or if not better (High West and Belle Meade come to mind right off the bat). I’m glad to have a bottle but won’t buy another one.

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

6.75

Cost/Point

$29.48

Scoring System

Personal Spirit Review: Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece