Distiller: Old Evan Williams Distillery

Release: 2020

Bourbon: Evan Williams Single Barrel

Region: Bardstown, Kentucky

Price: $28.00

Proof: 86.6

Age:  8 years

The Barrel Cellar Score:  88 Points

Review Date: 09/01/2020

About the Bourbon: In the day of overpriced and over sought-after bourbons, Evan Williams Single Barrel is often overlooked. It’s hand-picked by their master distiller, and while every barrel will be different, every bottle I’ve ever had has been a quality drink. The age statement on the bottle I’m drinking today is around 8 years, but I have in the past found them with statements of 10 years. Good bourbon doesn’t have to be rare or expensive and this is an example of that.

I enjoyed the whiskey for this review using a set of Prestige diamond whiskey glasses.

Color: Golden brown

Nose:  Cola, leather, vanilla, toasted coconut, cherrywood.  

Taste: Leather, fresh Jalapeno, and cinnamon. Drop a couple of ice cubes in and notes of brown butter and lime citrus emerge. Finish: Black pepper and charcoal

Assessment: This single barrel has a medium body , it’s fair to draw comparisons, in both body and mouthfeel to some of Heaven Hill’s other brands (McKenna for instance). The body does struggle a bit to hold back a slight burn but shouldn’t discourage you from enjoying a glass either neat or on the rocks. Once my palate had the time to adjust, I really appreciated the near immediate taste of fresh (green) Jalapeno, somewhat unique to a bourbon. The flavor profile however is dominated by oak and leather, which throws the balance off a bit. I found that adding a couple of ice cubes, improved the flavor profile and smoothed out the texture of the bourbon.

Overall I enjoyed the bourbon, I think it could have benefited from a few more sweet notes and perhaps a little more heft on the body, but considering the price/quality ratio this is a winning choice for a bottle of whiskey.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon is a good bourbon and a great value 88 points.

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