Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:54 pm

Uncover the differences between Evan Williams Black Label and Jack Daniel’s No. 7 in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which whiskey suits your preference better!

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

Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s: Comparison

Evan Williams: Offers a sweet nose of caramel and vanilla, leading to a palate with honey, spice, and a hint of old leather. The finish brings warmth and a peppery note, making it a solid, budget-friendly bourbon suitable for both sipping and cocktails.

Jack Daniel’s: Known for its distinct banana and brown sugar aroma, Jack Daniel’s presents a smooth, light-bodied palate with oak char bitterness. Its finish is quick, with pepper and citrus. While not for every palate, it excels in mixed drinks, especially with cola.

Verdict: Evan Williams is a value-for-money bourbon that balances sweetness with spice, perfect for casual enjoyment or cocktails. Jack Daniel’s stands out for its unique flavor and mixability, appealing to those who prefer their whiskey mixed with Coke or are nostalgic for its classic taste, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Cheap Bourbons under $20

Evan Williams: A Likeable Bourbon at a Friendly Price

• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, honey, ethanol
• Palate: Honey, spice, old leather, oak char
• Finish: Old leather, oak char, spice
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Old Grand Dad

Aroma: Evan Williams greets you with a sweet and inviting nose, filled with honey, caramel, and vanilla notes. Some might detect a slight hint of alcohol.

Taste: This bourbon offers a decent mouthfeel, delivering a mildly sweet flavor initially. As you sip, hints of old leather emerge, alongside a gentle oak char bitterness that gradually intensifies.

Finish: The finish is slightly warming and peppery, with lingering notes of old leather, but not overpowering. Adding a drop of water can enhance the experience, bringing out the caramel sweetness and softening some of the bolder aspects.

Value for Money: While not top-shelf, Evan Williams delivers a respectable drinking experience at a very attractive price point. This makes it a solid option for casual drinkers who are looking for a reliable and affordable nightly pour.

Cocktail Gem: Evan Williams’ affordability also makes it a great choice for crafting cocktails. Its warmth and flavor profile work well in various mixed drinks, from classic concoctions to inventive recipes. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed with your favorite beverage, Evan Williams offers enjoyment without breaking the bank.

Evan Williams Facts:

• This bourbon is made with a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.
• It used to carry a 7-year age statement, but this was discontinued in the 1990s. While the current age is not officially disclosed, it is generally understood to be around 4 years.
• Evan Williams is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, alongside other well-known brands like Elijah Craig and Larceny.

Learn more: Evan Williams Website

Jack Daniel’s: A Popular Choice with a Unique Profile

• Nose: Banana, oak, brown sugar, wood polish
• Palate: Caramel, banana, oak char, cinnamon
• Finish: Citrus, black pepper, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Coca Cola
• Similar to: Knob Creek

Aroma: Jack Daniel’s offers a distinct aroma, featuring notes of banana, brown sugar, and oak. Some may also detect a subtle hint of wood polish.

Taste: This whiskey is known for its smooth texture on the palate, although it can be somewhat light-bodied for some drinkers. The initial sweetness gives way to a charcoal bitterness that becomes more prominent with continued sipping.

Finish: The finish is brief, with a lingering touch of pepper and citrus alongside a faint glue-like note.

A Nostalgic Favorite: Many, like myself, enjoyed Jack Daniel’s when starting their whiskey journey. While tastes evolve with experience, Jack Daniel’s continues to hold a special place for some due to its familiarity and affordability.

Mixing Magic: Jack Daniel’s truly shines in cocktails, particularly when paired with cola or ginger ale. Its unique profile blends well with these mixers, making it a popular choice for casual gatherings.

Beyond the Sipping Glass: While some enjoy Jack Daniel’s neat or on the rocks, it’s important to acknowledge that its flavor profile may not be suited for everyone’s preference, especially for those seeking a more complex sipping experience.

Interesting Facts: Jack Daniel’s is a world-renowned whiskey, holding the title of the best-selling American brand globally. Their unique charcoal mellowing process and reliance on tasters for determining bottling readiness contribute to its distinctive character.

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of Jack Daniel’s, highlighting both its strengths and limitations.

Learn More: Jack Daniel’s Website

The difference between Evan Williams and Jack Daniel’s

There is one significant difference between these whiskeys that you should know:

Evan Williams is a bourbon, while Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee Whiskey.

The main difference is that Tennessee Whiskey is filtered through sugar-maple charcoal after distillation prior to aging.

This filtering is known as the Lincoln County Process.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price (1 liter bottle)
Evan Williams Black Label	$18
Jack Daniel’s No. 7	$36