How to Drink Evan Williams

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:55 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Evan Williams Bourbon: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Evan Williams is versatile and affordable, making it suitable for neat drinking, on ice, or in cocktails, according to bourbon expert Neil Coleman.
• It features a smooth profile with sweet notes like honey, caramel, and vanilla.
• Recommended glassware includes a large whiskey rocks glass.
• The bourbon pairs well with casual foods such as BBQ chicken wings, grilled cheeseburgers, loaded nachos, and pulled pork sliders.
• Simple cocktail recipes like Whiskey Highball, Bourbon Lemonade, and Classic Bourbon Sour are provided.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Evan Williams

“Evan Williams stands out as a superb option for crafting homemade cocktails that don’t demand complexity, yet remains doable when sipped over a generous amount of ice. “, mentions Bourbon expert Neil Coleman.

As an entry-level whiskey, it may not match the refinement of higher-end bourbons, but it offers good quality for its price.

It’s an ideal selection for a regular pour that’s easy on the wallet.

This bourbon is quite adaptable, fitting well in mixed drinks or mixed with Coke.

While it might not be an award-winner, Evan Williams is a reliable choice to have in stock for a variety of situations, offering decent quality and versatility.

• Related: What are the Best Cheap Bourbons under $20?
• Learn more: Evan Williams Website

Tasting Notes

The nose is sweet, with scents of honey, caramel, vanilla, and a faint touch of ethanol.

On tasting, this bourbon offers a good texture and body, beginning with a sweet taste that soon gives way to a mild oak char bitterness; an undertone of aged leather adds depth.

The finish leaves a warm, spicy feeling with a persistent old leather aftertaste.

Whether you’re mixing it into a simple cocktail or enjoying it with classic tailgate fare, Evan Williams provides a satisfying, no-fuss bourbon experience.

Adding Water

A splash of water helps mellow the bitterness while bringing forward the caramel’s sweetness.

The method of adding water involves a gradual, drop-by-drop approach until you achieve the flavor that best matches your taste preferences.

Adding Ice

You can add a substantial amount of ice to Evan Williams due to its higher proof.

This helps to temper its intensity, making the whiskey smoother and more palatable.

Choosing the Right Glass

For Evan Williams, a large whiskey rocks glass is ideal.

This type of glass not only accommodates a generous pour but also allows for the addition of a substantial amount of ice.

The spaciousness of a large rocks glass ensures that the whiskey can be chilled thoroughly, enhancing the drinking experience, especially for those who prefer their bourbon on the cooler side.

Evan Williams Cocktails

Evan Williams is great for creating uncomplicated, yet tasty cocktails.

Here are some easy recipes with just three ingredients:

Whiskey Highball

• 2 oz Bourbon
• Ginger ale or soda water
• Lemon or lime wedge for garnish
• Ice

Fill a highball glass with ice, add bourbon, top with ginger ale or soda water, and garnish with a citrus wedge.

Bourbon Lemonade

• 2 oz Bourbon
• Lemonade
• Lemon slice for garnish
• Ice

Mix bourbon with lemonade over ice in a glass and garnish with a lemon slice.

Classic Bourbon Sour

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and enjoy.

Pairing with Food

Since Evan Williams is a budget-friendly bourbon, it pairs well with casual, easy-to-prepare foods:

• BBQ Chicken Wings: The sweetness of the BBQ sauce complements the smoothness of Evan Williams.
• Grilled Cheeseburgers: The rich flavor of grilled burgers goes well with the bourbon’s robust profile.
• Loaded Nachos: The mix of flavors in nachos – cheese, jalapenos, salsa – pairs nicely with the straightforward taste of the bourbon.
• Pulled Pork Sliders: The tender pork and tangy sauce are a great match for Evan Williams’ smoothness.

About Evan Williams

• Bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV).
• The mash bill comprises 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.

• Evan Williams used to display an age statement of 7 years until the 1990s when it was removed, and now it is aged for only four years.

• Evan Williams Bourbon is crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, KY, along with Elijah Craig, Larceny, Pikesville, Rittenhouse Rye, and Henry McKenna.