Review: Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Evan Williams Single Barrel saw it's 18th release in 2013. It is a pretty inexpensive bourbon for a single barrel bottling and has received some high praise over the years. Some more detailed info can be found at a couple of official sites - Evan Williams site & the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center site. This bourbon isn't as available as it's little brother (who works very well as a mixer IMO), but most liquor stores with a decent collection should carry it - assuming their supplies haven't been bought up. The bottle being reviewed today is from their 2011 release and was barreled in 2001.

Evan Williams Single Barrel

Evan Williams Single Barrel, 2001 - Tasting Notes

Nose: A very sweet nose on this. Maple syrup, citrus and a faint hint of spice and oak, but only barely perceptible.

Palate: Soft, smooth, sweet, very enjoyable. The maple and citrus from the nose remain and a bit of sweetened corn comes through as well.

Finish: The sweetness of the palate gives way to some quick peppery spice. The lingering taste is a nice combination of the two predominant flavors in the finish - maple & pepper.

Proof: 86.6 (43.3% ABV)

Price: ~$30

I really, really like this. While it isn't bursting with complexity, it makes for a super bourbon that can be appreciated neat by just about anyone who enjoys bourbon. Throw in the fact that this comes in right around $30 and you've got a fantastic bourbon that most people can get their hands on. While the proof is somewhat low when compared to many other bourbons on the market (especially single barrels) it still works quite well. And while I've seen flavors vary from barrel to barrel and year-to-year via some other reviews, the common thread seems to be that Evan Williams Single Barrel is always enjoyable.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Rating: 9.1/10