Jim Beam’s New Sunshine Blend Bourbon Has Brown Rice Twist

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New Expression from Jim Beam Blends Tradition with Innovation.

Jim Beam has introduced a new whiskey expression: Jim Beam® Sunshine Blend Bourbon. This release combines the brand’s 225 years of bourbon-making tradition with a modern twist, blending 65% of its flagship 4-year bourbon with 35% brown rice bourbon. The resulting product is crafted to offer a smoother and more approachable drinking experience.

Flavor Profile Designed for Approachability

According to the brand, Sunshine Blend reveals “a delicate, layered profile—subtle floral and fruity notes complemented by gentle hints of sweet caramel, honey, and vanilla.” The use of brown rice bourbon lends a softer grain profile, enhancing sweetness and mellowing the overall character. Jim Beam describes the expression as “an inviting introduction for those new to whiskey” while remaining satisfying for experienced bourbon fans.

Composition and Mash Bill Details

The brown rice bourbon component in the blend features a mash bill of 55% corn, 35% brown rice, and 10% malted barley. This composition contributes to what the company calls “increased sweetness from the corn” and a smoother finish due to wood sugar flavors developing at a younger age. The blend is designed to be “sessionable” and suited for casual, daytime sipping.

Ties to Previous Beam Releases

While Sunshine Blend is a unique product, its brown rice mash bill has previously appeared in limited releases of Little Book and Basil Hayden. However, this new expression showcases the brown rice character more prominently. Beam notes the product is “a bit sweeter than traditional Jim Beam bourbons,” offering a distinctive take within its portfolio.

Suggested Serve: A Daytime-Ready Cocktail

Jim Beam recommends enjoying Sunshine Blend in a citrus-forward cocktail, such as a modified Paloma. The recipe calls for 1 part Jim Beam Sunshine Blend, 3 parts grapefruit soda, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt—emphasizing the bourbon’s suitability for light, daytime enjoyment.

Product Availability and Pricing

Jim Beam Sunshine Blend is now available at select retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $19.99.

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