If you have been a Bourbon fan for quite a while, you are probably familiar with Evan Williams Bourbon. The iconic Black Label bottle, while not terrible, is usually located on the bottom shelf, along with their higher-proof cousin, White Label. We are tasting today their Single Barrel Vintage. Which from what we can ascertain, is the Black Label aged longer and taken from one barrel. So, think of a premium version of the Black Label.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is easy to find, 86.6 proof, aged 7-8 years, sells for $30, and comes in a nice-looking corked bottle that is more elegant than the normal Black Label. The mash bill is 78% corn, 12% rye, and 10% malted barley.
We are a little torn on Evan Williams, while most of us think the Black is just okay, some of us think the White Label is a decent pour at a good price. Looking forward to tasting Single Barrel Vintage.
NOSE
TB: A sweet but mild nose of wood, grainy bread, rye, and fruit. Getting hints of leather, pepper, and cinnamon as well. Ice brings out more spice and dampens the sweetness.
TASTE
TB: Caramel, Rye, leather, and wood stand out with touches of apple, pepper, and a nice, toasted nuttiness. Ice brings a vanilla ice cream flavor with some cinnamon.
FINISH
TB: Medium, pleasant, and smooth with a bit more sweetness.
OVERALL
TB: A decent drink at a decent price. Would keep a bottle around.
Nose 3.25 out of 5
Taste 6 out of 10
Finish 3 out of 5
Total score 12.25 out of 20 barrels.
While this is not a great Bourbon, it is getting harder and harder to find a single barrel that is 7-8 years old for $30. That alone would be reason enough to buy this juice. It makes a nice sipper, good with ice and good in cocktails. We recommend giving Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage a try. If for some odd reason you just dislike it, you are not out much. And remember if you do not like it, you can always give it to us. We will give it a good home.