Skip to main content

Need Bourbon? This Jim Beam Smart Decanter Will Pour It for You (for Six Months)

It is 2017, and we have reached the apex of “smart” technology, it seems. Sure, we’ll probably go further — until the apes take over, obviously — but do we really want to go past a decanter that pours whiskey for you?

Jim Beam, who have already dipped into the “smart” technology field with their Apple Watch — the smart part about it? It allows you to have a shot glass attached to your wrist at all times — are back with JIM, a “smart” decanter that literally pours you a shot of bourbon when you want it.

Recommended Videos

JIM, the “World’s first intelligent bourbon decanter,” is voiced by seventh-generation distiller Fred Noe and lives to serve a sole purpose: pouring bourbon. As you can see in the video, you can ask it questions, but JIM won’t necessarily have the answers. Unless, of course, your question is “Can you pour me a shot of bourbon?”

jim beam decantor
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“At Jim Beam, we’re in the business of evolving the way people drink delicious bourbon,” Noe said in a statement. “For decades, we produced unique limited-edition decanters that are now collectors’ items. And now, we’re introducing a smart decanter that lets fans enjoy their bourbon on demand with friends and family.”

In case you were questioning, yes this does seem to be an actual product and according to the website, the pre-orders will arrive by December 15.

The decanter does not come with any bourbon inside it, but even if you don’t want the regular Jim Beam, there are plenty of options available to you. There’s Booker’s Bourbon (of course), Knob Creek, and the newest Jim Beam release from Fred Noe’s son Freddie, Little Book. Nothing will stop you from filling the decanter with any of them (hell, JIM would probably appreciate it).

JIM sells for $34.95. At the moment, the pre-order is sold out, but the company says they are expecting to have more available soon. They will be available on the Jim Beam website. It should be noted, though, that the 3G capabilities, which would allow you to speak to JIM, will only last for six months. After that, the website says, it reverts back to a regular old decanter (which still isn’t the worst thing in the world).

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
What is Gibraltar coffee? The trendy espresso drink you need to try
Where and how this tiny espresso drink began
gibraltar coffee

Found only at select coffee shops is the Gibraltar coffee -- a coffee menu item that will leave you saying, "What is that?" based on its name alone. This specialty coffee originated in San Francisco at Blue Bottle Coffee but has since spread to small coffee shops worldwide. I'd describe this coffee as similar to a Cortado, yet these two drinks have unique differences.

When I first saw a Gibraltar coffee at a coffee shop, I knew I needed to learn more about what this coffee was all about. I chatted with Gibraltar coffee expert Vadym Granovskiy, an expert in coffee Artistry, expertise and mentorship, and TEDx Kyiv Speaker, to learn everything about the Gibraltar coffee -- from how it's made to how it was invented. Granovskiy is especially inspired by the story behind the accidental invention of Gibraltar coffee, drawing inspiration as a coffee lover himself. In his free time, he loves to experiment with new coffee and espresso beverages.

Read more
World Whiskey Society is launching a bourbon that’s finished in a rare, Japanese cask
World Whiskey Society's newest bourbon was dubbed "Samurai Edition"
Whiskey in a glass

Fans of exceptional, unique whiskey know all about the World Whiskey Society's prowess. Founded in 2020, this brand strives to bring rare, ultra-premium expressions to whiskey drinkers' home bars and liquor cabinets. Its newest whiskey combines America's "native spirit" with the aging techniques popularized in Japan.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Japanese Mizunara Shochu Barrels

To say this whiskey is unique is an understatement. This 108-proof Kentucky straight bourbon dubbed the "Samurai Edition" begins with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. Originating at the renowned Bardstown Bourbon Company, it's first matured in charred white American oak barrels before being finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks previously used to age Shochu.

Read more
Michter’s releases two legacy whiskeys packed with flavor and heritage
Micher's is releasing two historic, timeless whiskeys
Michter's

If you're already a fan of Michter's iconic whiskeys like Michter's US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Michter's US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon, or the iconic Michter's 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, you'll be excited to learn about the popular brand's two new releases set to hit store shelves this month.
Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger's Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This month, the distillery will release two whiskeys in its Michter's Legacy Series: Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger's Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Read more