Evan Williams vs Jim Beam: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:17 am

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.

Discover the differences between Evan Williams vs Jim Beam in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

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 Jim Beam: Comparison

Evan Williams is a sweet and spicy bourbon that’s easy to drink and kind to your wallet. With a touch of water, it shines even brighter. So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable everyday bourbon without the fancy price tag, give Evan Williams a try!

Jim Beam is a friendly, budget-friendly bourbon perfect for mixing. While not the most complex sipper, it delivers a sweet, warm, and slightly peppery experience in your favorite cocktails.

Key Difference: Beam leans smooth (80 proof) while Evan Williams packs a punch (94 proof), similar age and mash, making it fuller-bodied and bolder.

Verdict: Evan Williams appeals to those who appreciate a bourbon that balances sweetness with a mature, spicy complexity, offering depth beyond its price. Jim Beam, on the other hand, is the go-to for cocktail lovers, its profile laying a versatile foundation for a variety of mixed drinks. Each brand exemplifies how bourbon can be both accessible and characterful, catering to a wide audience with distinct tastes and preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Cheap Bourbon Best Picks

Evan Williams: Sweet & Spicy for the Everyday Bourbon Fan

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: Buffalo Trace

Honey & Caramel Delight, Gentle Spice Finish:

Evan Williams starts you off with a sweet aroma of honey, caramel, and vanilla, with a light alcohol whisper. On the palate, it feels fuller than some bourbons, offering a smooth mouthfeel.

Sweetness with a Leather Twist:

The taste is sweet upfront, with a hint of aged leather adding complexity. There’s a mild oak bitterness, but it doesn’t overpower the sweetness. The finish brings back the leather, leaving a warm, spicy tingle that lingers.

Water Makes it Shine:

A splash of water brings out more caramel sweetness and smooths out any roughness. While not a top-shelf bourbon, Evan Williams delivers a solid experience for its price.

Good for Budget-Minded Bourbon Lovers:

For those who prefer their whiskey affordable and enjoyable, Evan Williams is a great choice. Not fussy about fancy sips? This bourbon does the trick without breaking the bank.

Like Jack, But Different:

Fans of Jack Daniel’s might find Evan Williams a pleasing alternative. They share similar flavors, but Evan Williams packs a higher proof and is easier on your wallet.

Quick Facts:

Sweet & Spicy Mash: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye
Aged Around 4 Years: Creates a balanced flavor profile
Historical Figure: Founded by 18th-century immigrant Evan Williams
Part of the Family: Made by Heaven Hill Distillery (Elijah Craig, Larceny, etc.)

Jim Beam: A Friendly Bourbon for Mixing, Not Sipping

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, hay, corn
Palate: Toasty oak, peanut, vanilla, black pepper, oak spice
Finish: Short-lived, caramel, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Four Roses

Sweet Corn & Vanilla, Warm Pepper Finish:

Jim Beam’s aroma entices with sweet corn, vanilla, and butterscotch, but a slight alcohol warmth peeks through. While pleasant, it’s thinner on the palate compared to richer bourbons.

Familiar Corn & Spice, Hint of Peanut:

Expect sweet corn, vanilla, and butterscotch flavors upfront, followed by a touch of black pepper and a whisper of peanut (a Jim Beam family trait). The finish is short and warm, with lingering sweetness and a hint of oak spice and pepper.

Great for Cocktails, Not Neat:

Jim Beam shines in mixed drinks! Its affordability and milder profile make it a go-to for budget-friendly cocktails. However, its lighter body and peppery kick might not be ideal for sipping neat.

Quick Facts:

Sweet Mash: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Aged 4 Years: In new charred oak barrels for smooth vanilla notes
Rich History: Founded in 1795, now owned by Suntory Holdings (Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig, etc.)