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

Updated → September 2025

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry is a cherry-infused bourbon whiskey liqueur that offers a sweet twist on a classic. As one of the first flavored bourbons, it combines the rich warmth of Jim Beam bourbon with bold black cherry flavor. The result is a smooth, approachable spirit perfect for sipping straight or mixing into easy cocktails.

Flavored Bourbons and the Rise of Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry

It wasn’t long ago that bourbon was always served “straight” – unflavored and strong. That changed in 2009 when Jim Beam introduced Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry, blazing a trail for flavored bourbons. This release was a bold move aimed at attracting new drinkers with a sweeter, more approachable profile. The success of Red Stag helped kick off a flavored whiskey revolution – today you’ll find everything from honey-infused bourbon to cinnamon and even peanut butter whiskey on store shelves. At first, some bourbon purists were skeptical about infusing a time-honored spirit with fruit flavors, but Red Stag’s popularity proved there was a real appetite for innovation. Soon even heritage brands like Jack Daniel’s and Wild Turkey followed with their own flavored variants. Yet Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry remains a standout as one of the originals that showed bourbon could embrace new flavors without losing its soul.

The Origins of Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry

The idea behind Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry was to create a bourbon that could appeal to those who might find traditional whiskey too intense. Launched nationally in 2009, Red Stag Black Cherry was marketed as “a new breed of bourbon.” It’s named after the image of a red deer (stag) and signifies a daring departure from Jim Beam’s classic lineup. By slowly infusing four-year-old Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon with natural black cherry flavor, the brand crafted a spirit that maintained the base bourbon’s character while layering it with fruity sweetness. This release was Jim Beam’s first major innovation in decades, and it quickly gained popularity for bridging the gap between flavored liqueurs and straight bourbon whiskey. In the years that followed, Jim Beam even expanded the Red Stag line with other flavors (like Honey Tea and Spiced editions), but the Black Cherry original remains the most iconic and enduring of the bunch.

How Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Is Made

Unlike a typical flavored vodka where additives are simply mixed in, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry starts with real bourbon at its core. Jim Beam uses its signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon (aged at least 4 years) and slowly infuses it with black cherry liqueur and natural flavors. The infusion process allows the whiskey to absorb the tangy-sweet cherry essence over time, creating a harmonious blend. The final product is bottled at a lower proof than standard bourbon – today about 65 proof (32.5% ABV) – which gives Red Stag its smooth, liqueur-like character. Importantly, the cherry flavoring used is natural, ensuring the taste feels authentic and not overly artificial. This careful crafting process ensures that while the bourbon’s oak and vanilla notes remain present, they’re complemented by an authentic black cherry sweetness in every sip.

Tasting Notes: Sweet Cherry Meets Oak

From the moment you pour Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry, you’ll notice its inviting aroma. The nose opens with a burst of black cherry candy and hints of vanilla, backed by a touch of charred oak from the bourbon. Take a sip, and the flavor follows suit: a wave of sweet, dark cherry upfront, balanced by notes of caramel, toasted oak, and a whisper of warm vanilla. The mouthfeel is silky and slightly thicker than straight bourbon – a reminder of its liqueur nature – which makes it glide smoothly across the palate. The finish is gentle and sweet, with lingering cherry and a mild warmth. Many find the experience reminiscent of a cherry cola with a bourbon kick – it’s easy-drinking and dessert-like yet with a definite whiskey backbone. For the best experience, try it chilled as Jim Beam suggests, which can enhance its smooth, candy-like character even more.

How Does Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Compare to Other Whiskeys?

As a flavored bourbon liqueur, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry stands apart from traditional bourbons. A classic Jim Beam White Label bourbon (80 proof) packs a much stronger oak-forward punch and a higher alcohol kick compared to the smoother, sweeter Red Stag. For seasoned bourbon enthusiasts, Red Stag’s sweetness and lower proof make it more of a lighthearted treat than a slow-sipping whiskey. However, that’s exactly the point – Red Stag Black Cherry broadens bourbon’s appeal. It invites those who might shy away from straight whiskey to enjoy a taste of bourbon without the burn.

Compared to other flavored whiskeys and liqueurs, Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry holds its own niche. Some cherry liqueurs (like a classic cherry brandy or Italian amaro with cherry notes) can be very syrupy or herbal, whereas Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry offers a true whiskey underpinning. When you compare it to other flavored bourbons or American whiskeys – think honey bourbons or cinnamon-infused whiskey liqueurs – Red Stag’s bold black cherry flavor really sets it apart. For instance, Fireball whisky delivers cinnamon heat and newer peanut butter whiskeys bring nutty sweetness, but Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry offers an unmistakable blast of cherry fruit. And because it’s built on Jim Beam bourbon, many see it as a more “authentic” option compared to some flavored spirits that don’t start with a real whiskey base. Ultimately, this spirit lives in the overlap between bourbon and liqueur, offering the best of both worlds.

Serving Tips and Cocktails

One of the great advantages of Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry is its versatility. You can enjoy it straight, chilled, or incorporate it into a variety of mixed drinks. Here are some popular ways to savor this cherry-infused bourbon:

• On the rocks or chilled: Sip it neat or over ice to appreciate the balance of sweet cherry and bourbon notes. Serving it chilled can tone down the sweetness slightly and make for a refreshing pour.
• With cola: Mix Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry with cola for a quick and simple cocktail. The cherry bourbon and cola combo (reminiscent of a cherry Coke with a kick) is an easy crowd-pleaser.
• Iced tea & lemonade: Blend Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry into iced tea or lemonade (or a mix of both, like an “Arnold Palmer” style). The result is a sweet tea cocktail with a bourbon twist – perfect for summer afternoons.
• Creative cocktails: Use it as a fun substitute in classic whiskey cocktails. For instance, swap it into a Manhattan or Old Fashioned to add a cherry accent, or use it in a whiskey sour for a cherry-flavored spin. Its lower proof also makes it friendly for experimenting with layered shots or dessert drinks.

With such flexibility, feel free to get creative. Some people even drizzle a bit of Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry over desserts – imagine a splash over vanilla ice cream for an adults-only treat – or use it in baking glazes to add a bourbon-cherry kick. The possibilities are endless, and this spirit’s approachable flavor means it’s hard to go wrong when experimenting.

Where to Buy Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry

Since its introduction, Red Stag Black Cherry has become a staple in many liquor stores thanks to its popularity. You can find this flavored bourbon in 750 ml bottles and the larger 1.75 L size at most well-stocked retailers. The price is budget-friendly, often around the mid-$20s for a smaller bottle and around $30 for the 1.75 L (prices may vary by location). In fact, Red Stag Black Cherry is part of Jim Beam’s global product lineup, so it’s sold in numerous countries and states – wherever Jim Beam is available, chances are this flavor is too. At Union Wine & Liquor in Cheektowaga, you can conveniently purchase Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry both in-store and through our online shop for pickup. We make sure to keep it in stock, so whether you’re planning a party or just want to give it a try, you can easily get your hands on a bottle.

Experience the Sweet Bourbon Twist

Jim Beam’s distillery has been crafting bourbon since 1795, and with Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry they proved that even a heritage brand can innovate without losing its roots. In the end, this product stands as a testament to how tradition and innovation can mix. It delivers the essence of bourbon with an approachable, fruit-forward twist. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey lover looking for something different or completely new to bourbon, Red Stag Black Cherry offers a unique tasting adventure. Its smooth profile and candy-like black cherry sweetness make it easy to enjoy, yet it still carries the legacy of Jim Beam craftsmanship in each sip. So go ahead – give this bourbon a try and discover why so many have fallen for its charms. Just remember to savor responsibly, and enjoy the blend of Kentucky bourbon tradition with a burst of cherry fun!