Review #104 Evan Williams Single Barrel: Bourbon

Score: 8.4 / 10

Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon

It's a little strange to not use an age statement, but instead show a year that the bourbon was put in oak. However, don't let that defer you, because historically the average is around 7 years. This might just finally be an actual case of "when it's ready, it's ready". You know without all of the political dodging of questions.

Regardless, I love the white label so much for the price, (punches WAY outside of it's weight class) that when I see another EW on the shelf, it's going in the cart. That's exactly what happened here and you should do the same!

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Whipped cream, vanilla cake frosting, creme brulee, red apple, a touch of honey and just a hint of smoke.

Palate: Brings the whole orchard - crisp red apples meet dry oak. A surge of apples and vanilla cascades into a subtle tobacco. Light black pepper and cinnamon crackle on the back-end then dissipate. Digging deeper I find some light cherry, plum and apricot.

Finish: Lightly tannic and moderate. Apple rind meets dry oak with (you guessed it) more apples and a light dry cinnamon. After a few minutes the finish turns juicy and crave able.

Score: 8.4

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Availability? Uncommon. IMO this is a natural step in evolution if you enjoy the white label. I don't think you'll be upset to have either around at any time.