About this bourbon

The Beam family has been making whiskey in Kentucky since 1795, when Jacob Beam sold his first barrels, and seven generations later the family name is still on the bottle. Jim Beam's familiar White Label is a Kentucky straight bourbon made in Clermont, Kentucky, from a corn-led mash and matured in new charred American oak, as straight bourbon must be. That fresh charred oak is where its trademark vanilla and caramel come from.

It is a friendly, uncomplicated bourbon: light florals, citrus, a touch of spice and creamed corn on the nose, then a medium-bodied palate of vanilla and caramel and a clean finish. This is a workhorse for the home bar, as good with cola or ginger ale as it is in a Whiskey Sour or a simple highball, and a sound introduction for anyone new to American whiskey. Keep it on hand for relaxed weekend get-togethers where mixed drinks are the order of the day.

Key facts

• The Beam family has made whiskey since 1795, across seven generations
• Distilled in Clermont, Kentucky
• Kentucky straight bourbon, sold as 'Aged 4 Years' White Label in the US
• Bottled at 40%

Tasting notes

Nose:

Light florals, citrus, gentle spice and creamed corn

Palate:

Medium-bodied, with vanilla and caramel

Finish:

Clean and smooth

Serve

Long with ginger ale or cola and a lime wedge, or as a Whiskey Sour: 50 ml bourbon, 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup, shaken hard with ice (an egg white is optional).

Food pairing

Pairs well with barbecue chicken wings, burgers and pulled pork, or with a plate of Kolkata-style chilli pork.