Copyright: Evan Williams

Owner → Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. ◊ Bardstown, Kentucky

Distillery → Heaven Hill Bernheim ◊ Louisville, Kentucky

86 Proof ⇔ Aged 5-6 years

$13.99/ 750 ml

—From Evan Williams—

Evan Williams is a smooth, easy to drink Bourbon named after Evan Williams who, in 1783, opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, we’re still producing Bourbon with the same time-honored methods that Evan Williams did years ago.

Today, Evan Williams is the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the US and the world, distilled just a few blocks from the site where Evan himself built his distillery.

Evan Williams Black is 86 proof and aged far longer than we are required to by law. That proof and age leads to a Bourbon that we are proud of, made our way, and that is always rich, smooth, and full of character.

*Research Notes*

  • NAS (no age statement), but this means it’s a minimum of 4 years.  Looks to be at least 5-6 years, from several sources.
  • Lots of folks comment on its dark and reddish color.  It’s colored more like one that’s been aged much longer.
  • Evan Williams the man built a distillery in northern Kentucky, on the banks of the Ohio river in the 1790s.  He was famously indicted by a grand jury for selling without a license–something he refused to purchase.
  • Heaven Hill Brands created this label in 1957, and has been distilling consistently since.
  • In 2015, was the 10th most sold brand of whiskey worldwide.

Mashbill

Corn-  78%

Rye-     10%

Wheat–  0%

Malted Barley– 12%

*Tasting Notes*

via Fred Minnick

  • Nose: Balanced with crème brûlée,  vanilla, brown sugar, and a slight hint of cinnamon.
  • Palate: The grains are slightly forward, but brown sugar and nutmeg quickly surface.  It’s a soft whiskey with a creamy mouthfeel and is quite lovely, bringing out all the patented notes of caramel and vanilla.
  • Finish: Medium and sweet.
  • Thoughts: This is one of my favorite starter bourbons for people just getting into bourbon.