Which Evan Williams SB?

[JMac72]

This is related to a previous post by Sijian re bourbon for novices.

In his post he mentions Evan Williams SB as a good bourbon for novices to try and I put it down on my list. A quick Google search has revealed there are a number of different vintage years for the Evan Williams SB.

So which year would Sijian be referring to when he recommended Evan Williams? Or does it matter?

[Maddog918]

I just got a bottle of EW vintage SB. it was bottled in 2008. Outstanding whiskey! It was a good purchase for this novice.

Brian

[JMac72]

Thanks....apparently there is a a whole range 1992, 1993, 1996, etc.

[independant]

It really doesn't matter the year. I find that they are all good examples of what is a single barrel. Also if its available in your area I suggest eagle rare single barrel they both are under 30.00 and are a great value.

[mozilla]

I am not a big fan of single barrels. I would suggest that most of what HH makes is of a similar quality and style. IMO, you don't need to pay extra for what they give you. Try a Bottled in Bond.

[JMac72]

It really doesn't matter the year. I find that they are all good examples of what is a single barrel. Also if its available in your area I suggest eagle rare single barrel they both are under 30.00 and are a great value.

Eagle Rare SB is available here but at $75 CDN per bottle. I will pick this up on my next trip to Bellingham where its $28 USD.

[JMac72]

I am not a big fan of single barrels. I would suggest that most of what HH makes is of a similar quality and style. IMO, you don't need to pay extra for what they give you. Try a Bottled in Bond.

No easy way to ask this but what is bottled in bond?

[callmeox]

Here's a link to the terminology thread.

You can find your answer there. Bone up and you will be talking like a bourbon pro in no time. :grin:

[ggilbertva]

Because they are single barrel you will have variations from year to year. I like some years over others due to the nature of the single barrel. Jeff's suggestion is good but I would modify and say go ahead and get a SB and a BIB and do a comparison. See which one you like and make that a steady part of your bunker.

[mozilla]

Because they are single barrel you will have variations from year to year. I like some years over others due to the nature of the single barrel. Jeff's suggestion is good but I would modify and say go ahead and get a SB and a BIB and do a comparison. See which one you like and make that a steady part of your bunker.

Bingo!

____________________

[p_elliott]

I like the EWSB some like other years better than other but I wonder if it's not that they have had barrels that they don't like. I also like the EW black label I can't get the BIB here.

BIB means if I can get this right means 100 proof, aged at least 4 years, all distilled and barrel in one season I think that's it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

[Maddog918]

I think BIB is from a sigle batch.

[barturtle]

The product of a single distillery, in a single season, aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof.

[kickert]

I gotta say, I am a bit disappointed in this thread. I think this is an excellent question, and I have been lurking waiting for a good answer. I know I have heard people talk about some years being better than others, and you have the whole pre-fire post-fire.

I would really like to hear which years people think are the best.

[independant]

I would really like to hear which years people think are the best.

I have only had 97,98,99 so I can't speak any earlier but I am going to go 97 then 99 and finally 98.

[jburlowski]

1992 and 1994 are the best.

[spun_cookie]

For me it has been the 97 over the 92, 93, 94, 96, and 98.

In truth, I do not really care for any of them and do not plan on buying any more... I do know where to get a 94 & 95 if anyone is looking for them. One of the 2 was the christmas pack... I think it was the 95 and the 94 is in the box.

[JMac72]

thanks for the specific years. I found a lot of reviews for the 96. I take it the 96 was the best seller for Evan Williams? I'm only suggesting that because the 96 hasn't seemed to have made anyone's list.

[mozilla]

I gotta say, I am a bit disappointed in this thread. I think this is an excellent question, and I have been lurking waiting for a good answer. I know I have heard people talk about some years being better than others, and you have the whole pre-fire post-fire.

I would really like to hear which years people think are the best.

I don't personally buy the Single Barrel at $27.

I would much prefer to buy two of HH's Bib for the same price (2 x $12.50=25). That's why you won't see me purchasing or commenting on the Single Barrel. Sorry.

[dgonano]

Jeff,

Don't knock the EWSB. It is a very good selection for a novice. It was also a good selection for a Sampler tasting just a few year's ago. I also know many new bourbonites who love this whiskey. The alternative BIB HH selections your mention are not available in many areas. They are good whiskeys but not in the class of EVSB, so back off your negative response.

[kickert]

Jeff,

Don't knock the EWSB. It is a very good selection for a novice. It was also a good selection for a Sampler tasting just a few year's ago. I also know many new bourbonites who love this whiskey. The alternative BIB HH selections your mention are not available in many areas. They are good whiskeys but not in the class of EVSB, so back off your negative response.

Whoa... I didn't see Jeff's response as being overly negative -- he was just sharing his preference of one over another. Others are much more overt about their dislike of certain products.

[dgonano]

Sorry Kickert, but my resonse stands.

Just a few bourbon novices asking a few good questions about a very good whiskey . Jeff's responses , while ok for experienced tasters, I do not find appropriate for a novices. Let them make their own decisions.

[Jazzhead]

I haven't had a Heaven Hill product in quite some time, so it's long past due to pour a EWSB, a '96 vintage to be exact. Great nose, a little thinner than the Wild Turkey and Old Forrester that are my regular pours. And, of course, with the characteristic "grassy" flavor profile of HH (at least that's how I would describe it. )

Good stuff!

I've had a number of EWSB vintages over the years but can't really say I can name good and better years; it's all struck me as similar whiskey but I've never had two vintages open at the same time. What I need to try is one of the newer vintages which were distilled after the big fire - I have four bottles in the bunker, all pre-fire (1987, 1994, 1995 and 1996). If there are differences they are subtle and need a side-by-side to appreciate.

[Josh]

Even though it was mentioned briefly, I think it bears repeating that the HH BiB's are not available everywhere. MI only has 1 very low end Gold Label HH. The only bond officially available in the state is OGD. So, yes Bonds are often better values than SB's but they aren't always available.

[p_elliott]

Sorry Kickert, but my resonse stands.

Just a few bourbon novices asking a few good questions about a very good whiskey . Jeff's responses , while ok for experienced tasters, I do not find appropriate for a novices. Let them make their own decisions.

I didn't think Jeff's comments were out of line when you take into consideration that Jeff has a long history of in his opinion that single barrel bourbons are nothing more than a gimmick to jack up prices. (don't you just love long drawn out sentences) It's his opinion and he's entitled to it.

I happen to like EWSB I also think it's a good value. Hell I like EW black label, that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it.

I encourage the new members me being one of more or less to ask as many questions or give their opinion on any subject they like. But not everyone going to agree with those opinions. That's part of the process.

Your entitled to your opinion as well.