Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon 1.75L

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon 1.75L is a Kentucky straight bourbon infused with black cherry liqueur, bottled at 32.5% ABV (65 proof). Rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and awarded Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Red Stag stands as one of the pioneering expressions in the flavored bourbon category — developed from an actual recipe rather than a marketing exercise.

Quick Facts: ABV: 32.5% (65 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Black Cherry-Infused Bourbon  |  Distillery: James B. Beam

Production & Heritage

The James B. Beam Distillery traces its bourbon-making roots to 1795 in Clermont, Kentucky, and now operates under Suntory Global Spirits. Red Stag originated from a homemade recipe by Jim Beam R&D employee Win Wilkins, a deer hunter who infused black cherry into bourbon for his hunting flask and called it "Red Stag" long before the company developed it into a commercial product. The base spirit is Jim Beam's Kentucky straight bourbon, built on a traditional corn, rye, and malted barley mashbill, then blended with black cherry liqueur to marry fruit sweetness with established whiskey character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe black cherry dominates the nose, backed by vanilla and light oak. A subtle note of brown sugar and a dusting of cinnamon emerge as the glass opens up.

Taste: The entry is sweet with prominent black cherry, quickly joined by vanilla and caramel at mid-palate. Oak and gentle bourbon spice build as it develops, with the whiskey's grain character pushing through the fruit sweetness. There is a slight viscous quality that keeps the mouthfeel full without becoming cloying.

Finish: Moderate in length with a slightly dry character that prevents the sweetness from overstaying. Lingering cherry and soft bourbon spice — including that signature Beam cinnamon note — close things out cleanly.

How to Drink Red Stag

Red Stag drinks easily on the rocks or chilled, where the lower proof and fruit infusion make it immediately approachable. A Cherry Old Fashioned substitutes Red Stag for standard bourbon, adding natural cherry depth without muddling fruit or reaching for extra liqueur. A Cherry Bourbon Sour benefits from the built-in sweetness, reducing the need for added syrup while keeping the sour balance tight. A Cherry Cola Highball — Red Stag over ice topped with cola — delivers a simple, crowd-pleasing long drink that scales effortlessly for gatherings.

Best For

• Introducing bourbon-curious drinkers to whiskey through a fruit-forward entry point
• Summer barbecues and backyard gatherings where easy-drinking cocktails are in demand
• Stocking a home bar with a versatile flavored spirit for large-format batching
• Game-day entertaining where the 1.75L handle reduces mid-party bottle changes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Red Stag taste like? Red Stag delivers bold black cherry sweetness balanced by vanilla, caramel, and light oak from its bourbon base. The finish dries out with soft cinnamon spice and lingering cherry.

How does Red Stag compare to standard Jim Beam White Label? Red Stag uses Jim Beam's Kentucky straight bourbon as its base but infuses it with black cherry liqueur, resulting in a sweeter, fruit-forward profile at 65 proof versus White Label's 80 proof. The underlying bourbon notes of vanilla, oak, and cinnamon remain present but take a supporting role behind the cherry.

Is Red Stag good for cocktails? Red Stag's built-in cherry sweetness and moderate 65-proof strength make it an effective cocktail ingredient that reduces the need for additional fruit liqueurs or syrups. It works particularly well in sours, highballs, and riffs on classic bourbon cocktails.

Where is Red Stag made? Red Stag is produced at the James B. Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. The distillery has been producing bourbon since 1795 and is one of the largest and most recognized bourbon operations in the state.

What foods pair well with Red Stag? Dark chocolate desserts complement the cherry and vanilla sweetness. Smoked pork ribs with a cherry glaze echo the fruit profile. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a savory counterpoint. Grilled stone fruits like peaches amplify the cherry notes. Vanilla cheesecake rounds out a dessert pairing naturally.

What sizes does Red Stag come in? Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry is available in several formats including 750ml, 1L, and the 1.75L handle size.

Is Red Stag worth the price? Red Stag positions as a value-tier flavored bourbon, and the 1.75L format delivers strong per-ounce economics for entertaining or regular cocktail use. Its Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating suggest quality that outperforms its accessible price tier.

Why Red Stag?

Red Stag holds a legitimate claim as one of the flavored bourbon category's founding expressions, born from a real hunting-camp recipe by a Beam employee rather than a trend-chasing product brief. The 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast, Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Gold at the World Whiskies Awards validate its quality against a growing field of flavored whiskey competitors. The 1.75L handle format is purpose-built for anyone who pours Red Stag regularly in cocktails or serves groups. Among cherry-flavored bourbons, Red Stag's combination of an established Jim Beam bourbon base, a documented origin story, and repeated critical recognition gives it a credibility that few in the flavored whiskey space can match.