Which Evan Williams SB?

[mozilla]

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.

The only problem I have with the Single Barrel is the price. I don't believe that novices should be willing to spend twice the going rate to experiment with bourbons that might or might not be better than a regular bottling.

To me, it is not worth the extra price.

It should also be noted...I prefer a batched bourbon because I believe they are more rounded in their pallet and profile. Where as...a Single Barrel is more like a slice of pie. You might get a great piece...but you also might get a bad one. With batched bourbons...you hardly ever get an off bottle.

Hope that helps explain my point of view.

[funknik]

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.

This has been a fascinating conversation resulting from a seemingly simple query. Let me add to off-topic nature of this discussion slightly with my two cents . . .

I have lately begun to try and ignore the designations and stick with paying attention to three things: age, proof & price. As Josh mentioned, BIB is a very rare thing in many states and there simply aren't any available up here save the Dant (lack of BIBs does not hurt my feelings at all, personally, I find them much too young tasting). I also agree that single barrel bourbons have a gimmicky, marketing scheme-type appeal, but it is interesting to be able to sample that "slice of pie" as Jeff so succinctly put it. Small Batch just means whatever you want it to mean.

I, personally, have not found a BIB or a Single Barrel that I would keep as a staple.

What I've noticed seems to be the most important factor to me is the age (particularly in the Heaven Hill products). EWSB is an 86 proof bourbon at 10 years old -- it's probably nicely mellowed. I haven't bought one for this reason: Elijah Craig 12yr is an older, higher proof and lower cost version of the same distillate -- the fact that it isn't single barrel is a non-factor to me. I'm sure I will try EWSB sometime soon just for curiousity's sake, but I expect not to like it as much as EC12 which is $10 cheaper.

I've had a chance to do a couple side-by-sides lately of Old Ezra 7/101 and EC12 and while both are very good and similar tasting, the difference is amazing to me . . . EC12 wins hands down for me and for only a few bucks more. Still, Old Ezra is a great deal for a 7yr old 101 proof bourbon.

So, I guess I agree with the marketing angle, but obviously not all single barrels and/or BIBs are created equal and therein lies the adventure!

[Josh]

This has been a fascinating conversation resulting from a seemingly simple query. Let me add to off-topic nature of this discussion slightly with my two cents . . .

So, I guess I agree with the marketing angle, but obviously not all single barrels and/or BIBs are created equal and therein lies the adventure!

I would say "well put funk", but that's not enough characters.

[mozilla]

This has been a fascinating conversation resulting from a seemingly simple query. Let me add to off-topic nature of this discussion slightly with my two cents . . .

I have lately begun to try and ignore the designations and stick with paying attention to three things: age, proof & price. As Josh mentioned, BIB is a very rare thing in many states and there simply aren't any available up here save the Dant (lack of BIBs does not hurt my feelings at all, personally, I find them much too young tasting). I also agree that single barrel bourbons have a gimmicky, marketing scheme-type appeal, but it is interesting to be able to sample that "slice of pie" as Jeff so succinctly put it. Small Batch just means whatever you want it to mean.

What I've noticed seems to be the most important factor to me is the age (particularly in the Heaven Hill products). EWSB is an 86 proof bourbon at 10 years old -- it's probably nicely mellowed. I haven't bought one for this reason: Elijah Craig 12yr is an older, higher proof and lower cost version of the same distillate -- the fact that it isn't single barrel is a non-factor to me. I'm sure I will try EWSB sometime soon just for curiousity's sake, but I expect not to like it as much as EC12 which is $10 cheaper.

I've had a chance to do a couple side-by-sides lately of Old Ezra 7/101 and EC12 and while both are very good and similar tasting, the difference is amazing to me . . . EC12 wins hands down for me and for only a few bucks more. Still, Old Ezra is a great deal for a 7yr old 101 proof bourbon.

So, I guess I agree with the marketing angle, but obviously not all single barrels and/or BIBs are created equal and therein lies the adventure!

Well put, Andy.

I don't think Dave meant any harm with his comments. I believe that he really likes his EWSB and was more currious as to what other dates he should try next.

I agree with evaluating bourbon on Age, Proof and Price. It, IMO, is the best way to cut through the hype and lock down the variables. My "best" level is the highest proof and age....for(most importantly) the LOWEST PRICE. This is MY angle...it might not work for all others. YMMV. :cool:

[funknik]

Thanks, fellas.

You know, it occurs to me . . . one bourbon I was extremely impressed by fits all of the aforementioned criteria: Henry McKenna 10yr Single Barrel BIB.

That, IMO, is a very nice whiskey at the same age & a similar price to the EWSB but 100 proof and BIB status. If I could find these around here, I would buy one.

[dgonano]

Well it wasn't Jeff out-of-line. I apoligized in a PM to him.

[mozilla]

We're cool. No harm, no foul.

[funknik]

So, I have since tried the EWSB '98 and it was very, very good. I was surprised at how much I liked it . . . more char and complexity than the EC12 and the lower proof makes it a little easier going down . . . it has some really gorgeous sweet notes in there to go along with the spicy leather.

Still, at $10 more than EC12, I think it's a tough purchase . . . great flavor profile, though . . . I'm interested in trying to dig up a couple '97s I've seen and to try the '99.

[ggilbertva]

Just to state the obvious but maybe not so obvious to new drinkers reading this thread. If something interests you, go ahead and try it. As a new bourbon drinker progresses, they will adjust their buying and drinking habits accordingly. Many times price is mentioned as one discriminator in a buy/no buy decision. I would point out that prices vary by region and as such, if you can get EWSB for $18 (as I can), that really makes this a very appealing purchase; not withstanding someones feelings toward SB. As Jeff points out in his "slice of pie" analogy, you will get variances in SB offerings. Just be aware of that when purchasing and set your expectations accordingly.

Obviously availability will also dictate one's purchasing habits......unless of course you get creative with trades and traveling out of state. People expressing their opinions is usually a good read but in the end, it comes down to what you enjoy.

[p_elliott]

So, I have since tried the EWSB '98 and it was very, very good. I was surprised at how much I liked it . . . more char and complexity than the EC12 and the lower proof makes it a little easier going down . . . it has some really gorgeous sweet notes in there to go along with the spicy leather.

Still, at $10 more than EC12, I think it's a tough purchase . . . great flavor profile, though . . . I'm interested in trying to dig up a couple '97s I've seen and to try the '99.

[B3Nut]

I've been really impressed with the '99 EWSB barrel-selected by Steve's Liquor in Madison, they sampled 3 barrels and chose what they felt was the best of the 3. Their sale price on it is $21.99, versus around $26 normally. EWSB goes for close to $30 at many places around here, so at $22 I figured it was worth a shot. It's a nice, lighter pour with interesting fruity notes...makes for a really unique Manhattan, too. I liked it enough to go back and get a second bottle to bunker...

[p_elliott]

Just to state the obvious but maybe not so obvious to new drinkers reading this thread. If something interests you, go ahead and try it. As a new bourbon drinker progresses, they will adjust their buying and drinking habits accordingly. Many times price is mentioned as one discriminator in a buy/no buy decision. I would point out that prices vary by region and as such, if you can get EWSB for $18 (as I can), that really makes this a very appealing purchase; not withstanding someones feelings toward SB. As Jeff points out in his "slice of pie" analogy, you will get variances in SB offerings. Just be aware of that when purchasing and set your expectations accordingly.

Obviously availability will also dictate one's purchasing habits......unless of course you get creative with trades and traveling out of state. People expressing their opinions is usually a good read but in the end, it comes down to what you enjoy.

[funknik]

Where I live the EWSB is cheaper than EC12 and I think it's much better.

[JMac72]

Just to state the obvious but maybe not so obvious to new drinkers reading this thread. If something interests you, go ahead and try it. As a new bourbon drinker progresses, they will adjust their buying and drinking habits accordingly. Many times price is mentioned as one discriminator in a buy/no buy decision. I would point out that prices vary by region and as such, if you can get EWSB for $18 (as I can), that really makes this a very appealing purchase; not withstanding someones feelings toward SB. As Jeff points out in his "slice of pie" analogy, you will get variances in SB offerings. Just be aware of that when purchasing and set your expectations accordingly.

Obviously availability will also dictate one's purchasing habits......unless of course you get creative with trades and traveling out of state. People expressing their opinions is usually a good read but in the end, it comes down to what you enjoy.

For me it is not so much price as it is flavour profiles. I have a sweet tooth so I look for flavour profiles that have certain flavours (vanilla/caramel) and in certain combinations (vanilla with caramel and oak tones).

[camduncan]

I'm jealous of you dudes! Around here I get EC12 for $18.99 & EWSB for $27.99..

Jeez, you should try Australian prices :bigeyes: :grin: . EC12 is $40 and EWSB is $45. I've even seen it priced with another $5 tacked onto each one.

Anyway, back on topic...... I first tried the 93 EWSB, and really liked it. The 94 appealed greatly also, but the 95 bottle I tried wasn't to my liking at all, and ended up being used as a mixer with Coke. I'm yet to try anything after the 95.

Having said that, I have bunkered 2 bottles each of the 92 thru to 97 Vintage (the 98 is yet to be released here) with the intention of having a tasting event sometime in the future. I just need to find some willing participants :skep: :cool:

[cowdery]

I have liked some better than others--the 1994 is a particular favorite--but I've had them all and there hasn't been one I didn't like. Even the last few distillery du jour vintages have been excellent.

[Single-Barrel]

I finished a bottle of the '99 on wed. night. It was very good. This morning I picked up a bottle of the '97 and poured me a bit about ten minutes ago. Okay I think its ready for a sip (neat). Ok, wow less oak nice molasses and toffee. This one is holding on here in the finish it's going on 15 seconds. Very, very nice. Okay IMHO I like the '97 better than the '99 the '97 seemed mellower and the finish was longer. I have tasted other vintages but it has been so long that it would be hard for me to compare them. If you are in the Penns Grove, NJ. area and want to try the '97 there is a liquior store up here that has 2 or 3 gift boxes left on the shelf (its not a big seller up here). PM me and I will tell you the shop that has it.

[Maddog918]

I finished a bottle of the '99 on wed. night. It was very good. This morning I picked up a bottle of the '97 and poured me a bit about ten minutes ago. Okay I think its ready for a sip (neat). Ok, wow less oak nice molasses and toffee. This one is holding on here in the finish it's going on 15 seconds. Very, very nice. Okay IMHO I like the '97 better than the '99 the '97 seemed mellower and the finish was longer. I have tasted other vintages but it has been so long that it would be hard for me to compare them. If you are in the Penns Grove, NJ. area and want to try the '97 there is a liquior store up here that has 2 or 3 gift boxes left on the shelf (its not a big seller up here). PM me and I will tell you the shop that has it.

I've been working on a "98. I was sipping some last night. My fav so far.

[Kevin]

browsed around a hole in the wall the other day, and saw they had '96 and '97, and pretty much any other beverage store around has the '98 and '99.

in my area they run at about $26... are either of the two older ones any more spectacular awsome finds, or just another apple from the tree?

[p_elliott]

browsed around a hole in the wall the other day, and saw they had '96 and '97, and pretty much any other beverage store around has the '98 and '99.

in my area they run at about $26... are either of the two older ones any more spectacular awsome finds, or just another apple from the tree?

[independant]

Pick up the 96 and 97 you will be happy you did. They are both very good examples of the EWSB line.

I myserlf picked up a 98 today.

[OscarV]

browsed around a hole in the wall the other day, and saw they had '96 and '97, and pretty much any other beverage store around has the '98 and '99.

in my area they run at about $26... are either of the two older ones any more spectacular awsome finds, or just another apple from the tree?

If the 1996 is before November 7 then it was distilled at the Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown before the fire that destroyed it.

[Kevin]

If the 1996 is before November 7 then it was distilled at the Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown before the fire that destroyed it.

[tommyboy38]

I have a bottle distilled on 11/07/96. I get a really strong char flavor in the finish.

I haven't visited the EWSB lately and think i need to try a few different years and compare them. These were my first dusties as I enjoyed it as my premium bourbon and was able to find a 92 and 95 which started me trying to collect a run of them. I only have a 97 open now but should snag some backups of the 96.

[Veevee]

browsed around a hole in the wall the other day, and saw they had '96 and '97, and pretty much any other beverage store around has the '98 and '99.

It seems like people really like the 97

I have only had a couple of these, I think the 89 was the first one I bought quite a while ago.

Are you near Indy? I have to visit my bro near Brownsburg, would love to know where you found the 96 and 97. PM me if you can?