Last Updated on: 11th June 2024, 01:03 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 everything about the Evan Williams Bourbon in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Evan Williams: The Reliable Workhorse Bourbon (Perfect for Everyday Sipping & Cocktails)
Rating: ⭐⭐
Evan Williams might not be the flashiest bourbon on the shelf, but it seems to have earned a spot in your home bar for good reasons. Here’s a breakdown of its key strengths:
Strengths:
- Affordable & Reliable: Evan Williams is a budget-friendly bourbon that consistently delivers a decent drinking experience. It won’t break the bank for everyday enjoyment.
- No-Frills Sipping: While it might not be the most complex bourbon, it offers a straightforward and easy-to-drink character, perfect for casual sipping.
- Cocktail Champion: Evan Williams truly shines when it comes to mixed drinks. Its affordability, warmth, and flavor profile make it a great base for crafting tasty cocktails.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re relaxing at home, tailgating, or hosting a party, Evan Williams is a dependable choice for any casual whiskey drinking scenario.
Considerations:
- Lacks Complexity: Compared to more premium bourbons, Evan Williams might not offer the most intricate or nuanced flavor profile for those seeking a truly unique sipping experience.
Verdict:
Evan Williams is a fantastic value bourbon. It’s a reliable and affordable choice for everyday sipping and excels in cocktails. While it might not be the most complex bourbon, it delivers consistent quality and affordability, making it a great workhorse bourbon to have on hand for any occasion, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Similar Bourbons to Evan Williams
- Learn more: Evan Williams Bourbon Website
What’s unique about Evan Williams?
This affordable bourbon stands out with a higher proof of 90 (45% ABV) compared to the typical budget bourbons that are around 80 proof (40% ABV).
While it no longer carries an age statement of 7 years, it is aged between 4-7 years, allowing for extended availability but also indicating cost-cutting measures.
Tasting Notes
- 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: Early Times
The nose of Evan Williams reveals sweetness, with hints of honey, caramel, vanilla, and a subtle presence of ethanol.
When it comes to the palate, this bourbon surprises with a decent body and texture, unlike many cheap bourbons that often feel diluted.
Initially sweet, it carries a subtle note of old leather alongside mild oak bitterness that doesn’t overpower.
The finish brings back that hint of old leather, offering a bitey and warm sensation with lingering spicy notes.
FAQ
A quick FAQ to address your doubts
Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to Evan Williams, consider Henry McKenna Bourbon, which is crafted at the same distillery with a similar mash bill but bottled at a lower proof for a smoother experience.
Another option is Benchmark Bourbon, made with the same mash bill as Buffalo Trace but at a lower proof and offered at a discounted price.
How to drink it?
Adding a dash of water can enhance the flavors, bringing out more caramel sweetness and smoothing out any harsh edges.
It also works well in classic cocktails like Bourbon and Coke.
With its higher proof compared to other budget bourbons, Evan Williams makes a punchy base for cocktails.
Also read: How to Drink Evan Williams
Mash bill
The mash bill for Evan Williams consists of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.
This mash bill is shared by other bourbons produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, including Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna.
Age
Previously carrying a 7-year age statement, Evan Williams is now aged for around 4 years.
The change was made to extend availability and manage costs.
Is it chill-filtered?
Like many bourbons in its price range, Evan Williams undergoes chill filtration.
This process helps prevent haze in the whiskey but can be debated among purists who believe it may impact the flavors.
Is it good for beginners?
Evan Williams may not be the smoothest bourbon for beginners.
Consider options like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark, which offer easier-drinking bourbons that are more approachable.
Price
Prices may vary by country:
- United States: $11
- Canada: $29
- UK: £29
Alcohol content
Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), Evan Williams provides a punchier and more flavorful experience compared to other bourbons in its price range.
The higher proof adds body and value to the whiskey.
Does it expire?
Stored properly in a cool place away from sunlight, Evan Williams can last for years.
However, it’s recommended to consume the remaining contents once it reaches around 25% to prevent any deterioration in taste.
How is it made?
Evan Williams is made from a mash bill consisting of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.
After distillation, it is aged for approximately 4 years in new American oak barrels before being batched together for bottling.
About Evan Williams
Evan Williams, an American pioneer, established a distillery along the Ohio River in Kentucky in 1783.
His distillery’s location is officially recognized as Kentucky’s First Commercial Distiller.
Today, Heaven Hill produces Evan Williams bourbon, which is bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Evan Williams remains one of the best-selling bourbons in the United States.
How did I review Evan Williams Bourbon?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Evan Williams: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Bourbon |
| Age statement | Around 4 years |
| Proof | 90.6 |
| ABV | 45.3% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | Yes |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |