Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey – Bourbon Boldness Meets Black Cherry Sweetness

Updated → September 2025

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is a flavored bourbon that infuses classic Jim Beam with black cherry liqueur for a sweet yet smooth twist. Launched in 2009 as one of the first cherry bourbons, it offers bold fruit flavors with layered notes of vanilla and oak, an approachable character, and versatile mixing potential.

• Introduction
• The Rise of Flavored Bourbon
• The Birth of Red Stag Black Cherry
• How Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Is Made
• Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
• Sipping Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry
• Mixing Jim Beam Red Stag in Cocktails
• Jim Beam Red Stag vs Traditional Bourbon
• Jim Beam Red Stag vs Other Flavored Whiskeys
• Who Will Enjoy Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry
• Price and Value of Jim Beam Red Stag
• Where to Buy Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry
• Popularity and Reception
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Introduction

Flavored whiskeys have taken the spirits world by storm, and Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey stands out as a trailblazer in this trend. It’s a unique fusion of Jim Beam’s classic Kentucky bourbon with the bold sweetness of black cherries. This infusion creates a spirit that delivers the familiarity of bourbon’s warm oak and vanilla notes alongside a luscious cherry flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the story behind Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey, its taste profile, how best to enjoy it, and why it has become a favorite for many whiskey lovers looking for something a little different.

The Rise of Flavored Bourbon

Over the past decade, flavored whiskeys have become a major part of modern drinking culture. From honey-infused bourbons to cinnamon-spiced whiskies, this category has grown rapidly, attracting new and younger audiences to the whiskey fold. In fact, by the early 2020s, flavored whiskey varieties accounted for roughly one-quarter of all whiskey sales in the U.S., a testament to their broad appeal. This trend was sparked by pioneers willing to experiment with traditional spirits – and one of the early successes was Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey. Jim Beam’s move to infuse bourbon with black cherry flavor in 2009 was bold at the time, but it tapped into a growing consumer desire for sweeter, easier-to-drink whiskey options. The success of Red Stag helped pave the way for other brands to explore flavored bourbons and opened up the category for innovation.

The Birth of Red Stag Black Cherry

The idea for Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey was born from Jim Beam’s drive to innovate and reach new consumers. Launched in 2009, Red Stag was one of the first commercially successful flavored bourbons on the market. At its debut, it was an 80-proof bourbon infused with natural black cherry flavors, offering a novel twist on the company’s renowned Kentucky straight bourbon. The name “Red Stag” evokes imagery of a wild red deer, symbolizing a bold, untamed spirit – a fitting persona for this adventurous whiskey. The launch was met with enthusiasm: in its first year alone, Red Stag sold over 200,000 cases, an impressive feat that confirmed there was a strong appetite for a cherry-infused bourbon. It was also the first flavored bourbon Jim Beam introduced overseas (hitting UK shelves by 2011), proving that the concept had global appeal. Backed by Jim Beam’s long heritage (the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has over two centuries of bourbon-making history), Red Stag combined credibility with creativity, enticing both loyal Beam drinkers and newcomers alike.

How Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Is Made

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey begins with a foundation of genuine Kentucky straight bourbon. Jim Beam uses its classic 4-year-old bourbon as the base, ensuring the final product maintains the DNA of a true bourbon whiskey. This bourbon is then slowly infused with natural black cherry liqueur and flavors. The infusion process allows the sweet, fruity essence of ripe black cherries to meld with the oak-aged bourbon, creating a harmonious blend. The result is bottled at 32.5% ABV (65 proof) – notably lower than a standard 40% ABV bourbon. This lower alcohol content is due to the addition of the cherry liqueur, and it makes for a smoother, more liqueur-like spirit. Despite the technical classification (in fact, because of the added flavor and lower proof, Red Stag is often labeled as a “bourbon whiskey liqueur”), Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry still carries the heart of bourbon in every sip. In terms of appearance, it pours a deep amber hue with a subtle reddish tint, hinting at the cherry infusion. Every bottle of Red Stag captures a balance between time-honored bourbon craftsmanship and flavorful innovation.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

The first thing you notice when pouring Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is its inviting aroma. On the nose, it bursts with sweet black cherry notes reminiscent of dark cherry compote or even a cherry cola. There’s a hint of strawberry jam-like fruitiness in the aroma, underscored by classic bourbon vanilla and a touch of toasted oak from the whiskey base. Hints of caramel and a whiff of cinnamon spice might also peek through. Take a sip, and the flavor profile is decidedly sweet and rich: imagine the taste of black cherry soda or cherry candy, layered over mellow bourbon tones of vanilla, caramel, and mild oak. The mouthfeel is smooth and a bit syrupy, coating the palate with cherry sweetness. Despite the luscious sweetness, you’ll detect just enough of that bourbon “whiskey bite” – a slight warmth and spice – to remind you that this is indeed a whiskey-based spirit. The finish is soft and relatively short, with lingering flavors of cherry and a gentle oak spice. It’s a rounded, easy finish without the strong burn one might get from straight bourbon. Overall, the tasting experience is playful and indulgent – this whiskey is often described as “just plain fun” to drink, delivering a dessert-like profile that still nods to its bourbon roots.

Sipping Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry

Thanks to its smooth and sweet character, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is very approachable when sipped on its own. If you typically find straight bourbon too harsh, Red Stag might be a revelation – its lower proof and added cherry sweetness make for a gentle sipping experience. You can enjoy it neat (at room temperature) to fully appreciate the interplay of cherry and bourbon flavors. The sip will be warming but not overwhelming, with the sweet cherry notes leading the way. Many people prefer to sip Red Stag over ice. Serving it on the rocks has a couple of benefits: chilling and slight dilution will tame the sweetness a bit and make each sip even smoother. As the ice melts, it can open up more of the vanilla and oak notes while keeping the sweetness in check. Because it’s so sweet and flavored, Red Stag also works nicely as a casual after-dinner pour – almost like a liqueur or cordial. Consider it as a fun dessert whiskey; you might even try garnishing your glass with a cherry for extra flair. Whether you sip it neat in a whiskey glass or pour it over a few cubes, sipping Red Stag is easy-going and pleasant, with no mixer required to enjoy its bold cherry taste.

Mixing Jim Beam Red Stag in Cocktails

One of the strengths of Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is how well it plays in simple mixed drinks and cocktails. Its intense cherry flavor and smooth profile make it a versatile mixer that can add a twist to many classic serves. Perhaps the most popular pairing is Red Stag & Cola – just mix a shot of Red Stag with cola over ice, and you’ve got a delicious cherry cola bourbon cocktail. The bourbon’s vanilla and oak, the cherry sweetness, and the caramel notes of cola complement each other perfectly, creating a drink that’s flavorful and refreshing. If cola isn’t your preference, try Red Stag with ginger ale or ginger beer; the spicy ginger balances the liqueur-like sweetness, resulting in a lively highball. Jim Beam even suggests blending Red Stag with iced tea and lemonade (think of an Arnold Palmer with a boozy cherry kick) – this “Red Stag Half & Half” makes a fantastic summertime punch. For cocktail enthusiasts, Red Stag can be used creatively: it can stand in for both the whiskey and the sweet element in an Old Fashioned-style cocktail (just muddle an orange peel and bitters, add Red Stag, and you have a Cherry Old Fashioned with no extra sugar needed). It’s also fun in a Manhattan twist – use Red Stag in place of regular bourbon and reduce the sweet vermouth to avoid too much sugar, resulting in a cherry-forward Manhattan. Because Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is already sweet, you often won’t need to add much (if any) extra sugar or liqueur when crafting cocktails with it. A simple squeeze of fresh citrus (like lime or lemon) can also be a nice way to add balance to a Red Stag cocktail, cutting through the sweetness. Whether it’s mixed with soda, incorporated into a punch, or used as a cherry-sweet base for inventive cocktails, Red Stag brings a distinctive flavor that can elevate your drink with minimal effort.

Jim Beam Red Stag vs Traditional Bourbon

How does Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey compare to a traditional bourbon whiskey? The differences are significant by design. A standard bourbon, like Jim Beam’s flagship White Label, is 40% ABV and known for its balanced notes of oak, vanilla, corn sweetness, and a warming alcohol kick. Red Stag, on the other hand, is lower proof (32.5% ABV) and intentionally much sweeter due to the black cherry infusion. When you sip a straight bourbon, you expect a robust, charred oak character and maybe some spicy rye or peppery notes if it’s high-rye; with Red Stag, those elements take a backseat to the dominant cherry and vanilla sweetness. The mouthfeel of a traditional bourbon is typically lighter and drier, whereas Red Stag’s texture is more syrupy and viscous. Essentially, Red Stag was crafted to be an easy-drinking alternative to regular bourbon. It sacrifices some of the depth and complexity of a straight bourbon in favor of approachability and fun flavor. Bourbon purists – those who relish the bold bite and nuanced char of an unflavored whiskey – might find Red Stag to be too sweet or candy-like for their tastes. However, it’s important to note that Red Stag still carries real bourbon DNA: the base spirit is genuine Jim Beam, so beneath the cherry you can find hints of the classic bourbon profile. In scenarios where you might use traditional bourbon for sipping neat or in spirit-forward cocktails, Red Stag offers a very different experience – more of a flavored liqueur vibe. Both have their place: a traditional bourbon for when you want that authentic whiskey complexity, and Red Stag for when you’re in the mood for something sweeter and more playful.

Jim Beam Red Stag vs Other Flavored Whiskeys

Within the world of flavored whiskeys, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry has a unique spot. Many popular flavored whiskeys focus on honey, apple, or cinnamon flavors – think Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Crown Royal Regal Apple, or the cinnamon-spiced Fireball. Red Stag distinguishes itself with its black cherry profile, a flavor not as commonly found among competitors. If you compare Red Stag to a honey whiskey (like Jim Beam Honey or Wild Turkey American Honey), you’ll find Red Stag is equally sweet but with a fruitier, cherry-dominant taste versus the floral sweetness of honey. Against something like Fireball (cinnamon whisky at 33% ABV), Red Stag is less spicy; Fireball hits you with hot cinnamon candy flavor and a fiery finish, whereas Red Stag is all about that mellow cherry and vanilla, with very little burn. In terms of strength, Red Stag’s 65 proof is in line with many flavored whiskeys (which often range from 60 to 70 proof), making them all softer than their straight whiskey counterparts. One could say Red Stag is to cherry what Crown Royal Peach is to peach – a faithful rendition of the fruit’s flavor in whiskey form. There are a few other cherry whiskeys out there (some smaller brands and even Jim Beam’s sister brand Evan Williams had a cherry whiskey), but Red Stag remains one of the most well-known in this flavor. An advantage Red Stag has is the credibility of the Jim Beam name behind it; you know you’re getting a bourbon-based product from a respected distiller. Flavored whiskey fans tend to explore multiple flavors, so Red Stag often appeals to those who enjoy things like apple or vanilla whiskey and want to try something different. It’s also a great alternative for those who like cherry liqueurs (such as cherry brandy or Cherry Heering) but want a whiskey base – Red Stag kind of bridges that gap. In summary, compared to other flavored whiskeys, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry offers a distinct flavor niche (ripe black cherries) with the backing of a major bourbon brand, making it a go-to choice for anyone specifically craving a cherry-infused whiskey experience.

Who Will Enjoy Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is an ideal pick for a certain crowd of whiskey drinkers. First and foremost, it’s perfect for those who have a sweet tooth or are new to whiskey. If you’re someone who typically enjoys cocktails, liqueurs, or sweeter spirits (like spiced rum or amaretto) and find straight bourbon a bit intense, Red Stag offers a friendly entry point. The sweetness of the black cherry and the smoothness from the lower alcohol content make it very approachable. It’s a hit at parties and casual gatherings – the kind of bottle you can bring out with friends who might not normally sip bourbon, and they’ll happily take a shot or mix a drink with it. Flavors like Red Stag often appeal to younger legal-age drinkers who are exploring whiskey for the first time, as well as anyone who loves the idea of a “cherry cola” vibe in their drink. Fans of cherry cola, cherry candies, or cola drinks in general often find Red Stag delightful because it echoes those flavors. It’s also a fun addition for cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting; even a seasoned bourbon drinker might keep a bottle on hand to add a twist to certain cocktails or to enjoy as a guilty pleasure dessert dram. On the other hand, who might not enjoy Red Stag? Hardcore bourbon purists and whiskey connoisseurs seeking complexity, depth, and a strong oak character might not favor it – for them, Red Stag could taste too artificial or overly sweet, lacking the robustness they expect from a neat pour. And that’s okay, because Red Stag isn’t trying to be a sophisticated sipping bourbon; it’s meant to be playful and accessible. Essentially, if the idea of a smooth, cherry-flavored bourbon sounds appealing, you are the target audience for Red Stag. It’s for the open-minded whiskey drinker who can appreciate a sweet twist on a classic.

Price and Value of Jim Beam Red Stag

When it comes to cost, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is priced in the affordable range. A standard 750ml bottle often falls in the low-$20s, making it an easy addition to your home bar without breaking the bank. (At our store, for instance, a 750ml bottle is currently around $24.99.) For that price, you’re getting a well-known brand name and a quality-flavored spirit. In comparison, the cost is similar to Jim Beam’s other flavored offerings and only slightly more than the classic Jim Beam White Label bourbon. Considering the infusing process and flavoring involved, many find Red Stag to be a good value – you’re essentially getting a bourbon and liqueur in one. The value is especially apparent if you think about what it can do: with one reasonably priced bottle, you can create a variety of simple mixed drinks (saving you from buying multiple ingredients for cocktails) or enjoy it straight as a dessert sipper. It’s also worth noting that Red Stag is widely available in multiple sizes. If you’re hesitant to commit to a full bottle, you might find mini 50ml bottles or pint-sized bottles to give it a try. The friendly price point means it also makes a fun gift for someone who likes whiskey but hasn’t tried flavored bourbon yet. In summary, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry offers solid bang for your buck: an accessible price for a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Where to Buy Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry

The good news for those wanting to get their hands on Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is that it’s widely available. As a popular product from Jim Beam, you’ll find Red Stag stocked in many liquor stores across the country. It’s commonly shelved alongside other flavored whiskeys or with the bourbons. You can also purchase it through reputable online retailers in regions where spirits shipping is permitted. If you’re in the Western New York area, you’re in luck – you can buy Red Stag Black Cherry right here at Union Wine and Liquor. We carry this product in-store, and you can also order it through our website for convenient pickup or local delivery (depending on available services). Simply follow the product link in this article or search for Red Stag on our Union Wine and Liquor online shop to check current availability. Because Red Stag is a mainstream item, you typically won’t have trouble finding it, even in smaller markets; however, if for some reason your local shop hasn’t stocked it, you can request it – distributors for Jim Beam generally have it on hand. When purchasing, remember to have your ID ready, as with any alcohol purchase, you must be 21 or older. With its popularity and distribution, grabbing a bottle of Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry is usually just a quick trip to the liquor store (or a few clicks online) away.

Popularity and Reception

Ever since its launch, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey has enjoyed a strong following and generally positive reception, especially among its target audience. The initial sales numbers spoke volumes – hundreds of thousands of cases sold in year one showed that Jim Beam had struck a chord with consumers looking for something fresh and fun in the bourbon category. Beyond the sales, Red Stag garnered critical nods as well. Notably, Wine Enthusiast magazine rated it around 90 points, an impressive score for a flavored whiskey, highlighting that while Red Stag is playful, it’s also a well-crafted product. Reviews often mention that it’s “surprisingly smooth” and “enjoyable” for what it is. Many tasters have been charmed by its candy-like cherry aroma and flavor, acknowledging that it delivers exactly what is promised – a delicious blend of cherry and bourbon. The product’s popularity also led Jim Beam to experiment with expanding the Red Stag line in the early 2010s, introducing variants like Red Stag Honey Tea, Spiced (Cinnamon), and Hardcore Cider (apple). These line extensions were a testament to Red Stag’s impact, although the Black Cherry original remains the flagship and most enduring flavor. In the whiskey enthusiast community, Red Stag is sometimes a polarizing topic – traditionalists might turn up their noses, but many others admit that as a sweet treat or a cocktail component, it has a rightful place. Importantly, Red Stag has helped demystify bourbon for a segment of the population, serving as a “gateway” whiskey that welcomes novices. Its legacy in the industry is that of a trendsetter: by proving that a big bourbon name could successfully release a flavored version, Red Stag opened doors for countless other flavored whiskeys that followed. Overall, its reception can be summed up as warmly embraced by the masses of casual whiskey drinkers, and acknowledged (if not adored) by the connoisseurs for what it has contributed to the spirits market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can create something truly enjoyable. It takes the beloved foundation of Kentucky bourbon and adds a burst of black cherry sweetness, resulting in a drink that’s approachable, fun, and different from the norm. Whether you’re a whiskey newcomer or a seasoned bourbon fan looking for a change of pace, Red Stag offers a delightful experience – either sipped slowly over ice or mixed into an easy cocktail. It’s a testament to Jim Beam’s willingness to push the envelope and cater to evolving tastes, all while maintaining quality. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider grabbing a bottle to experience this cherry-infused twist on bourbon. We invite you to discover its bold flavor for yourself – Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is available at our store, and we’d be happy to help you make it the star of your next gathering. Cheers to enjoying a sweet spin on a bourbon classic!