Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 01:23 pm

J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the variations between Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams in my comprehensive comparison, aiding you in selecting the Bourbon that aligns best with your tastes!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Buffalo Trace vs Evan Williams: Comparison
Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams offer distinct expressions within the bourbon realm, catering to different preferences.
- Buffalo Trace is renowned for its smooth and rich flavor profile, making it a popular choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. Its well-balanced notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice delight bourbon enthusiasts seeking complexity and quality.
- Evan Williams, on the other hand, presents a different experience. While offering a less complex taste profile, it shines for its outstanding value. Its sweet notes of honey, spice, and oak char make it a solid and budget-friendly option, perfect for mixing in cocktails or casual drinking.
Ultimately, the choice between these two bourbons comes down to individual preference and occasion. If you prioritize a smooth, complex experience for sipping, Buffalo Trace might be the better fit. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for cocktails or casual enjoyment, Evan Williams could be a suitable choice, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Cheap Bourbons under $20
Buffalo Trace:

- Nose: Caramel, cinnamon, and baking spice.
- Palate: Soft and velvety texture with flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and hints of espresso coffee and chocolate.
- Finish: Moderate length with vanilla and baking spice.
- Alcohol Content: 90 proof (45% ABV).
- How to Drink: Best enjoyed neat.
- Taste Summary: A medium to full-bodied bourbon that is smooth and well-balanced, Buffalo Trace is suitable for daily sipping.
- Price: $24 (Approximately, may vary).
Related: Alternative Bourbons to Buffalo Trace
Evan Williams:

- Nose: Sweet with caramel, vanilla, and honey.
- Palate: Decent body with honey sweetness and a slight bitterness from oak char.
- Finish: Warm and spicy with old leather and oak char.
- Alcohol Content: 90 proof (45% ABV).
- How to Drink: Can be enhanced with a bit of water.
- Taste Summary: Offers good value for those seeking a nightly pour or a versatile bourbon for mixing.
- Price: $10 (Approximately, may vary).
Verdict:
- For Quality Sipping: Buffalo Trace is the superior option, with a smoother and more complex profile that justifies its mid-shelf price.
- For Value and Versatility: Evan Williams stands out as an excellent budget option, ideal for mixed drinks or when seeking a decent bourbon experience without a high cost.
Both Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams cater to different segments of bourbon drinkers, with each providing a distinctive experience that aligns with its price point and intended use. Whether you prioritize taste complexity or value, both bourbons have their merits and can suit various occasions and preferences.