Evan Williams Black Bourbon Review
By Richard Thomas
Rating: C+
It says it right there on the bottle: “Kentucky’s 1st Distiller” and “Since 1783.” Although some legendary figures in bourbon history predate Evan Williams, the Welsh immigrant was the first to set up a commercial distillery, and in what was then the American frontier before Kentucky was a state or the debate on the U.S. Constitution had even begun. It’s a lucky thing for the Evan Williams legacy that he collected the river wharf dues for the town of Louisville, since that cemented his place in the records on top of putting some extra coin in his pocket.
In the modern context, Evan Williams Black Label is the #2 mass market bourbon, right after Jim Beam White. Even so, I have generally thought of Evan Williams as the true sleeper of big name bourbons. Despite the healthy sales numbers, I see Jim Beam or Wild Turkey on bar shelves far more often than Evan Williams, making it more of a liquor store favorite. That ought to change, if for no other reason than it is hard to match this bourbon’s low price and solid quality.
The Bourbon
Evan Williams Black is reputed to be based on mostly five to seven year old bourbons, and bottled at 86 proof (43% abv). Compare that to the eponymous Jim Beam White, which is quoted at four to six years and definitely bottled at 80 proof.
The color is in the vein of light amber, like a coppery honey. The scent is corn sweet, leaning into citrus sweet, with a hint of vanilla and a dash of rye spice cinnamon.
On the palate, the bourbon has an unremarkable feel, neither thick nor thin. The flavor kicks with a solid current of oak to start, with a layer of that corn-leaning-to-citrus sweetness underneath. A pinch of rye spice emerges about in the middle, along with a trace of oak. The finish is lightly sweet, with a moderately warm and mid-length run.
The Price
Evan Williams is a decent mass market bourbon. Some thing it is better than the others, and some do not. That is just a matter of opinion, but what isn’t is the price, usually just $11 or $12 per fifth (750 ml) in most of America. Cheaper than that runs to rotgut.
The most underrated bourbon around. Period.
I completely agree, JR. Especially if you’re mixing – it makes no sense to use Makers Mark or Knob Creek in a julep when Evan Williams does just as we’ll, for a third of the price.
I’m having my first right now. Real nice stuff, this is perfect for a after work treat. Better than jb black or dc in my opinion.
Yeah. Almost done my second one. I better stop while I’m ahead. Happy wife, happy life.
Evan Williams is one of the few bargains left in the world of bourbon whiskey.
The white label Bottled In Bond version is even better and still only $13.99 in my market.
How does it stack up against Jim Beam White label? Perhaps you should do a comparison review and include Heaven Hill Straight Kentucky Bourbon as well as Hogs3 Bourbon, why not have an old wild west bourbon shootout featuring the American frontier bourbons and some of the newer ones. Love Jim Beam white label though. Willing to give Evan Williams a try.
Evan Williams achieves the nearly impossible. An excellent product at an attractive price. Lots of complexity and flavor, good succinct finish. Few bourbons taste as good and yet many cost lots more!
Over ice, or a little water, or straight, just good, smooth stuff
sitting around the firepit on a mild midsummer night sipping E.W. and watching the lightning bugs pestering my basset hound ,in the company of friends,not much can beat it
My new choice as it has a little kick on the palette with a smooth taste. Definitely under rated for the overall taste and price. Very smooth and not overwhelming, and leads me to say excellent on the rocks, straight up, and superb for mixing in your favorite cola, or lemon lime and more.
truely a fine bourbon for the price. Enjoy over a few ice cubes while relaxing. Oh and the Evan Williams honey does wonders for a cold.
Agreed, this is a nice bourbon for the price.
The best working mans bourbon out there. I only buy two bourbons. Evan Williams for my everyday sipping bourbon or for mixed drinks for the wiener-less crowd and Wild Turkey 101 for when ultra snooty guests show up. That’s all one needs. Keeping life simple.
Evan Williams has been my constant go-to bourbon for quite some time. The great price and solid quality of this whiskey, makes it easy to buy again and again.
I’m a fan of Jim Beams Devils cut but just bought my second bottle of Evan Williams Black label. Excellent taste and smoothness in my opinion.
Agreed. Evan Williams Black is my favorite. Not only because of the low price, but for it’s great taste. I usually have in with a few cubes. It’s accompanied me on many a Night by my fireplace. It’s a steal and I hope we Bourbon lovers keep it a secret. I always have it and Duncan Taylor 12 y.o. blended Scotch in my liquor cabinet; then, along with a Loowit Brewing (of Vancouver, WA, USA) Grimlock Rye Porter, I listen to John Lee Hooker growling: “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”.
By the way, I disagree with the Whiskey Reviewer on this site who gave a C+ for Evan Willams Black.
When the great price is factored in, EWB might be the best choice for Bourbon out there. It really deserves at least a “B”.
IMHO
Truly a delightful bourbon . Love the smooth finish and oak. $6.50 for a pint. Craft beer 6 packs run at least $10 and up.No brainer
Evan Williams has been my number one go to bourbon since 1983. Some folks can’t believe it, but I keep this on my bar all of the time.
Evan Williams has been my daily after work drink of choice for close to a year now. I love the smoothness and it leaves no strong bite as it trickles across the tounge. I prefer drinking it neat. On occasion I will try more expensive boubons but I am always finding myself going back to good ole’ Evan Williams black label especially at the price. I highly recommend!
Better than Jim Beam white label. I drank Jim Beam white label for many years but the formula has changed. I switched to Evan Williams black and it is better for a few dollars less than Jim Beam white label. Taste great on the rocks or with a little ginger ale.
I like the taste of highland whiskeys than speyside, smokey and vanilla sweet for nose or taste. too much flavor is a bad whiskey. Member’s mark – taste was a big no no. Rye whiskeys have better tastes for my tongue than bourborns [vanillaish, smokey, sweet-bitter].
The burn and taste must not be too sweet nor bitter. a slight indulgence is fine.
Evan Williams has been my constant go-to bourbon for quite some time. The great price and solid quality of this whiskey, makes it easy to buy again and again.
My daily driver…hard to beat for under $20/750ml…keep in mind I live in NY and we have the highest sin tax in the country. Beats Jack hands down in my book. Enjoying one now !
well here in detroit… evan williams goes for 30.00 for 1.5 liters… good stuff
Here in western Minnesota my last 1.75 cost $14.00 after $5.00 rebate. At $8.00 Lt that’s a real deal for an excellent 86 proof bourbon. I understand some of the old bottling of EW were 90 proof. I’ve been blending 2-1 EW Black with.EW BIB to make 90 proof. The extra 2% alcohol kicks it up a little without going to 100 proof. What a great treat in bourbon,
Jim
I’ve given a shot to higher shelf burbs ( Maker’s m., W.turkey, and Woodford r. etc. ) & the only one that shot enough over the bow for me was Elijah Craig! So for me it’s not worth spending the xtra $ on anything but Evan Williams except for an allmost never splurge on the Elijah Craig. It’s not that the other high ends were not excellent, but more a matter of missing that expected aftertaste of sippin’ E.W. & don’t get me started on sauces I make w/E.W. ..Happy Sippin’ to all & may our livers forgive us!