Evan Williams Single Barrel is the most premium offering from one of bourbon’s most prominent names.
The Evan Williams brand dates all the way back to 1783 when it was founded by Evan Williams himself. The brand itself likes to claim that Evan Williams was the first Kentucky distiller, but historians don’t exactly agree. In fact, bourbon production waxed and waned throughout the centuries until the brand was acquired by Heaven Hill around the 1950s. By 1957, the Evan Williams brand was officially introduced and trademarked.
But whether Evan Williams is a historical icon or just another member of the Heaven Hill doesn’t matter much when it comes to this bourbon’s reputation. Alongside Evan Williams 1783, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, and the classic Evan Williams Black, the Single Barrel remains as the premium offering. It’s even been the five-time winner of “Whiskey of the Year.”
Despite all of the accolades, this bourbon is surprisingly not all that complex. The signature bourbon corn profile definitely comes through, with a few vanilla and wheat notes scattered throughout. There’s a bit of pepper in the middle and finish of the bourbon with some calming caramel swirled in. However, the bourbon’s low proof doesn’t allow for much more. Now normally all of this should add up to a pretty disappointing pour, but there’s just something about Evan Williams.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is simple in an expected and comforting way. It hits all the right boxes in just the way it needs to – no more, no less. It’s consistent, affordable, and an option that could please just about any level of bourbon drinker. It’s easy to see how Evan Williams Single Barrel held down “Whiskey of the Year” for all those years.
STATS: Evan Williams Single Barrel
- Price for us: $35 for 750mL
- Proof: 86.6
- Aged: 7-8 Years
- Distillery: Evan Williams, owned by Heaven Hill
- Recommendation: Neat or in a spice-based cocktail, like a Hot Toddy.
