Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:33 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 Larceny 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 Larceny: Comparison
Evan Williams: Wallet-friendly and straightforward, offering honey, caramel, and vanilla notes with a hint of leather and oak, perfect for casual sipping or mixing cocktails.
Larceny Small Batch: A sweet wheated bourbon, that delivers banana bread, caramel, and oak flavors, making it an affordable crowd-pleaser for everyday enjoyment.
Verdict: Evan Williams is a reliable budget-friendly option with warmth and versatility, while Larceny Small Batch charms with its sweet and easy-drinking profile, making it a great value for those seeking flavor without breaking the bank.
Important Fact: Both Evan Williams and Larceny are distilled at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, KY, sharing the same production house. However, they diverge in their mash bills, with Evan Williams leaning towards a higher corn content and Larceny incorporating more wheat, resulting in distinct flavor profiles, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top List of Bourbons Under $20
Evan Williams: Good Times, Good Value, No Frills
- 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: Elijah Craig
Evan Williams might not be fancy, but it gets the job done.
Think honey, caramel, and vanilla on the nose with a touch of warmth. Sip it neat and you’ll get a pleasant sweetness with a hint of leather and oak. Not the smoothest, but not bad either. Add a splash of water for even more caramel and a smoother ride.
The good:
- Easy on the wallet: Great everyday pour or mixer
- Warm and lively: A touch of spice keeps it interesting
- Cocktail champ: Makes delicious drinks without breaking the bank
The not-so-good:
- Simple: Not the most complex bourbon out there
- Young: Lacks the depth of aged spirits
The bottom line:
Evan Williams won’t win awards, but it’s a reliable, affordable friend for casual sips or mixing up great cocktails. Keep it stocked for good times without fuss or fancy price tags.
Bonus fact: Evan Williams wasn’t even American! He came from the UK and started distilling in Kentucky in the 1700s. Talk about dedication!
Larceny Small Batch: Sweet Wheated Delight Without Breaking the Bank
- Nose: Banana bread, vanilla, butterscotch
- Palate: Banana, caramel, oak
- Finish: Caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Woodford Reserve
Larceny is a wheated bourbon that offers big flavors without a big bite. While it might not be the smoothest option out there, it packs a punch of banana bread, caramel, and vanilla, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyday sipping.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Nose: Banana bread, vanilla, butterscotch (think warm, inviting aromas)
- Taste: Starts with a hint of heat, but quickly mellows into sweet caramel, more banana bread, and a touch of oak spice. Not the thickest body, but still satisfying.
- Finish: Sweet, warm, and pleasant. Add a splash of water for even smoother sailing.
- Price: Easy on the wallet, making it a great everyday sipper
- Overall: Not the top-shelf bourbon, but it delivers flavor and value in spades. Perfect for those who like their bourbon sweet and easy-drinking.
Bonus facts:
- Made with 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley
- Aged 6-12 years
- Won awards for its quality and affordability
- Named after a not-so-honest treasury agent with a taste for good bourbon
So, if you’re looking for a sweet, approachable wheated bourbon without breaking the bank, Larceny might just be your new go-to. Cheers!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Evan Williams | $11 |
| Larceny Small Batch | $23 |