Review 181: Evan Williams Black Label

It's about time I reviewed this underrated whisky. This stuff usually costs 10 USD a bottle and is just fine for sipping in my humble opinion. You can probably stop reading the review here and just go buy some, but on to the review!

Evan Williams Black Label

Color: Amber +1

ABV: 43%

Aroma Neat:
Cracked Corn, Caramel, Dry Vanilla, Sour Corn Mash (some new-make), Mint Sprigs, Dusty Rye, Allspice (slightly), Sourdough, Yeast.

Composed, with well-made spirit showing through. Unadorned, but inviting.

Aroma Water:
Cola, Bananas Foster, Vanilla-Infused Caramel, Milk Chocolate, Dried Mint (peppermint), Fermenting Mash, Grain Flour, White Pepper.

The palate brightens up with a dash of water, leading with a delicious cola note. No need to add coke!    ;-)

Taste Neat:
Spiced Caramel (cinnamon, pepper, clove), Cracked Corn & Grains/Flour, Starch, Cola, Barrel Char (sweet ash), Bananas in Oatmeal.

Tasty and balanced bourbon palate. I'm pleased because the wood and spirit support each other. This isn't an all-wood show!

Taste Water:
Charred Oak, Wood Sugars/Sap, Bitter Grain, Yeasty Sour Mash, Dried Corn, Bananas, Cocoa Powder.

Finish:
Sweetly Charred Oak (syrupy), Dry Cola, Bitter Ash, Astringent Grain, Vanilla Bean. 

I love the finish on this whiksy. It's not remarkably long, but it is a beguiling mix of dry and sweet. Challenging, but not "cheap" tasting at all. How can this come in a ten dollar bottle?

Conclusion:
A quality, balanced bourbon for a gut-rot price. 

Rating: 84/100



Girlfriend Rating: 72/100


I think this bourbon is excellent. When the price comes into play, it can't be beat. If you're the type that likes bourbon to be wood juice, avoid this bottle. If you like a balanced dram that actually tastes like whisky, however, this is a great choice! It's not fancy or exclusive, but it's damn good.

Josh