Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:51 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.
Discover the differences between Evan Williams vs Ezra Brooks 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 Ezra Brooks: Comparison
Evan Williams Black Label: A classic bourbon with caramel, vanilla, and honey on the nose, balanced by a palate of honey, spice, and mild oak char. Offers a warm, spiced finish.
Ezra Brooks Bourbon: Delivers sweet brown sugar and caramel on the nose, with a palate of vanilla, banana, and oak spice. The finish brings caramel and oak.
Verdict: Both Evan Williams Black Label and Ezra Brooks Bourbon provide exceptional value, offering distinct and enjoyable profiles suitable for various drinking preferences. Evan Williams shines as a sweet and smooth sipper, perfect for daily enjoyment, while Ezra Brooks offers a flavorful and approachable option with a bit of spice, great for both neat sipping and cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Rated Whiskeys under $20
Evan Williams Black Label: A Friendly Sipper for Everyday Enjoyment
- 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 Forester 86
Sweetness takes center stage in Evan Williams Black Label, with honey, caramel, and vanilla notes filling your nose. A touch of ethanol whispers in the background, but it’s easily forgiven.
On the tongue, it’s smooth and textured, with a pleasant sweetness that’s balanced by a touch of old leather and oak char. Don’t worry, the bitterness is mild and doesn’t overpower.
The finish lingers with warmth and spice, that familiar leather note making another appearance. A drop of water can unlock even more caramel sweetness and smooth things out further.
Is it award-winning? Maybe not. But for its price, Evan Williams delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience. It’s not the most complex bourbon, but that’s its charm. It’s honest, easy to drink, and won’t break the bank.
Think of it as your everyday bourbon go-to. Perfect for sipping neat, mixing into cocktails (it shines with Coke!), or sharing with friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser that won’t disappoint.
Beyond the Sip:
- Mash Bill: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye – a classic bourbon blend.
- Age: Around 4 years – young and vibrant.
- Distillery: Heaven Hill, Kentucky – home to other bourbon greats.
- Fun Fact: Evan Williams was a real person who emigrated from the UK and established a distillery in Kentucky.
While it may not be the fanciest bourbon, Evan Williams Black Label offers a warm, inviting experience that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment. Give it a try, you might just find your new favorite budget-friendly pour!
Uncorking an Unassuming Bourbon: Ezra Brooks
- Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, banana, oak, spice
- Finish: Caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Rebel Yell
Sweet sips and subtle surprises on a budget? Look no further than Ezra Brooks Bourbon. This approachable tipple won’t break the bank and boasts some unexpected charms beyond its price tag.
Aromatic Allure: Hints of caramel and dried fruit tickle the nose, with a touch of peppery intrigue. While light-bodied, the palate packs a punch.
Flavorful Fiesta: A burst of peppery warmth gives way to sweet fruit, vanilla, and even a hint of chocolate. Baking spice whispers in the background, adding depth.
Finish Finesse: A lingering warmth is joined by a surprising rye spice kick and a touch of bittersweetness. Not your average budget bourbon!
Neat or Not-So-Neat? Enjoy it solo, but a drop of water tames the spice. Ice brings out the sweetness, though the finish loses complexity.
The Perfect Pour: This bourbon shines in casual settings. Think tailgates, affordable cocktails, or sharing with friends (new or old!).
Beyond the Basics:
- Age: Undisclosed, but expect youthful vibrancy.
- Mash Bill: Corn, malted barley, and rye for classic bourbon character.
- Charcoal Filtration: Adds smoothness and removes impurities.
- Crafted at Lux Row Distillers: Since 2018, in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country.
- A Marketing Masterpiece: The namesake Ezra Brooks? Pure fiction, but the bourbon’s appeal is very real.
Remember: Ezra Brooks won’t win fancy awards, but it delivers honest value and surprising flavor twists. A great choice for casual sips or budget-friendly mixing!
What do Evan Williams and Ezra Brooks have in common?
For numerous years, both Evan Williams and Ezra Brooks bourbons were produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery. However, in 2018, Luxco established its own distillery in Bardstown, KY.
Although both bourbons were created under the same roof, Evan Williams and Ezra Brooks underwent distinct barrel management techniques and charcoal filtering processes.
These variations resulted in noticeable differences between the two bourbons, contributing to their unique characteristics.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle |
| Evan Williams | $26 | 1.75ml |
| Ezra Brooks | $26 | 1.75ml |