Evan Williams Single Barrel

Started from the bottom (shelf) now we're here?

By Not Masters of Malt

April 14^th, 2021

BEHIND THE BOTTLE:

Chances are you've heard, witnessed, or been a part of the literal "Horse Trading" that goes on with the ever coveted Buffalo Trace Blanton's bourbon. These stoppers are as much a trademark of the bottle as the stuff inside. Along with this distinction, Blanton's is also known for its handwritten "dump dates" that have become just as desirable. I mean lets face it, who doesn't want to own a whiskey with their child's birthday or anniversary on it? But therein lies the problem. Unless you're a morning person and feel like a four hour wait in line at your local Giant Eagle is worth it or you have the cash to "pony" up for the exorbitant secondary market prices, you are a little out of luck... or are you?

While the secret is getting out, the Evan William's Single Barrel Vintage may just offer a perfect compromise of value and availability ringing in at under $30.00 and normally found solidly in the middle of store shelves. While this review focuses on the 2013 version, we've tried several samples from 2011 and up and find consistency with each batch and are confident any bottle you find should have a profile that fairly closely resembles ours.

FROM THE DISTILLER...

Heaven Hill's Distillery Notes:

Evan Williams Single Barrel is the only vintage dated single barrel Bourbon on the market. Similar to the way vintage wines are selected, our distillers hand-select individual barrels that meet the specifications they've established. Then each bottle is marked with the vintage date it was put into oak, along with the year it was bottled and the exact barrel number of the single barrel that the Bourbon was drawn from.

Proof: 86.6 Proof

Age: 7-8 Years Old

REVIEW:

Nose (6/10):

Vanilla forward picking up some rich caramel sweetness along with just a tickle of spice on the nostrils. As it sits in the glass it develops even further and the vanilla picks up a hint of tropical fruits that I can only describe as "orange dreamsicle" note. I'm struck at how well rounded it is and how little the lack of proof shows up.

Palate (7/10):

Sweet, rich, and luscious... an easy sipper for sure! The tropical fruit from the nose gently makes its way onto the tongue in the form of bits of melon and honeydew with some cherries and waxy honey thrown in for good measure. All the ingredients from a pre-packaged fruit salad wrapped up in a neat bow.

Finish (6/10):

A bit longer than any 86 proof whiskey has any business being. The honey and caramel coat the back of the tongue and mouth and hang on for dear life. It all ends with just a whisper of rye and tobacco.

Price (9/10):

$30.00 for a Single Barrel 8 year whiskey with the complexity it has is really hard to beat in my book. There are few better values to be had. If you were looking to proof up maybe another Evan Williams product in their white label Bottled-in-Bond might be for you.

Aesthetics (3/5):

All around solid design, nothing earth shattering but I do appreciate the wax seal and the handwritten bottling and barreling dates. In this area Blanton's it is not, but I would still be happy to give it as a gift especially if I could find a meaningful date for the recipient.

Availability (4/5):

It is definitely not the first thing to fly off of the shelf on delivery day, but I feel like those in the know are hiding these away for a rainy day. With a little persistence these can be found without much effort even during the middle of the week.

Overall (35/50): Daily Drinker

Final Verdict:

Why not?

Heaven Hill has delivered a consistent yet complex whiskey that fits perfectly with the kind of experience I can reach for no matter my mood. That's what makes this a sure fire recommendation for anyone that asks us what to pickup off of the shelf for friends or family members. I'm all for proof bombs (I'm looking at you Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Rye) but as the summer approaches we find that the lower proof bottles just start striking the right chords. A deck, something on the barbeque, and Evan Williams Single Barrel is all you could ask for...