Jim Beam Black 7 year old, 45%

This new version of Black label—6 months older and four proof points higher—has orange marmalade, lemon grove, and raisin bread sweetness on the nose, tempered by oak tannins. The palate offers balanced spice and nuttiness, and vanilla-chocolate ice cream draped in warm fudge. Chocolate notes keep coming, along with a light pecan nuttiness. The texture is rounded and smooth, with an agreeable lightness that doesn’t sacrifice structure or depth. A long, pleasant finish of orange and vanilla, balanced by earthy notes of leather and black pepper.