Evan Williams Single Barrel - Review
Evan Williams, born in Wales in 1755, is a pivotal figure in the history of Kentucky bourbon. In 1780, Williams emigrated to Louisville, Kentucky, where he would leave an indelible mark on the spirits industry and the local community[1][5].
In 1783, just three years after his arrival, Williams established what is believed to be Kentucky's first commercial distillery on the banks of the Ohio River[1][3]. This pioneering venture laid the foundation for Kentucky's renowned bourbon industry. Williams' distillery was located at 5th and Main in Louisville, where he faced complaints about the smell and slop from his operations[1].
Beyond his contributions to whiskey production, Williams was a multifaceted individual who played a significant role in Louisville's development. He served on the city's first council and held the position of Harbor Master[1]. As a master stonemason and builder, Williams oversaw the construction of Jefferson County's first clerk's office, courthouse, and Louisville's first brick home[5].
Despite initial challenges, including legal troubles and criticism of his early whiskey quality, Williams persevered. His whiskey eventually gained popularity, and he famously brought a jug to council meetings, which rarely resulted in fines for his distillery operations[1].
Today, Evan Williams' legacy lives on through the bourbon brand that bears his name. One of the most notable products in the lineup is the Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon. This expression is unique in the market as the only vintage-dated single barrel bourbon available[4].
The Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon is a premium offering, carefully crafted by Heaven Hill Distillery's master distillers. Each bottle is marked with the vintage date it was put into oak, the bottling year, and the exact barrel number[4]. Typically aged for 7-8 years, this 86.6 proof bourbon offers a rich flavor profile. Tasting notes from the distillery describe a delicate amber gold color, with aromas of dark caramel, sweet oak, and charred wood. The palate is lush and spicy, featuring oak with honey, apple, and orange notes[6].
This meticulously crafted bourbon has garnered significant acclaim, winning "Whiskey of the Year" five times[6] at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It stands as a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that Evan Williams himself pioneered over two centuries ago, continuing his legacy of excellence in Kentucky bourbon production.
Review:
Nose: Freshly baked banana bread with walnuts is the closest thing I can get to the nose. It is very soft but also has a light tinge of charred sweet oak. There isn’t too much to say about the nose. It has a few pleasant notes but isn’t too complex or layered. It has a nice classic sweet and nutty bourbon profile.
Palate: This has a surprisingly viscous texture but is also remarkably soft and smooth. Little to no burn anywhere to be found on the palate. There aren’t any flavors that jump out of the glass but there are quite a few things here: Vanilla, Greenhouse Floral notes, Sweet peppered oak, and honey.
Finish: This finish was actually quite nice with this one. For the proof being only 86.6, (43.3% ABV) this had a finish that lasted 15-20 seconds. No new notes are around here and the notes listed above carry through to the end, with the end exposing those fruity floral notes. It was nice and nothing to complain about.
Overall: 71. This is, to date, the safest bourbon on the market in my opinion for the price. It doesn’t do anything wrong. It is straight forward, has no frills, aged nicely, and uncomplex. Uncomplex isn’t a bad thing as the flavors it has are really quite nice. I can see why it wins many awards as it is truly traditional and is meant to be an everyday pour for many. I don’t think this bottle is trying to market itself as the best bourbon/whiskey on the market, but it is just saying “You should buy this because you know you will get exactly what you’re looking for”. That isn’t bad.
Value: 70/100; (+0 on the overall)
Availability: Available. This initially was a nationwide release, and then a few years back they made it a KY only release, which created a larger market for it as people traveled to the state. Now (as of 12/2024) it is back on the national market and should be much more available. While it doesn’t have the $25 price tag anymore ($39.99 at stores that I’ve seen it at) it is still worth it at this point and I think may won’t be disappointed in this purchase. Especially if you are new to the bourbon market, this will absolutely please you as a starter and foolproof bottle.
Citations:
[1] https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/evan-williams
[2] https://www.thewhiskeyshelf.com/evan-williams-single-barrel-bourbon-review/
[3] https://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/516
[4] http://heavenhilldistillery.com/evan-williams-single-barrel-vintage.php
[5] https://vinepair.com/articles/evan-williams-bourbon-guide/
[6] https://evanwilliams.com/single-barrel
