EWB 86 pf vs. VOB 86 pf

[weller_tex]

Simple question, which do you prefer Evan Williams Black Label at 86 proof or Very Old Barton at 86 (not 100) proof. Easy for me, VOB by a landslide.

[Clavius]

Yeah, definitely the VOB!

[weller_tex]

Yeah, definitely the VOB!

I know it sounds counter intuitive but I actually prefer VOB 86 to VOB BIB. Hopefully Buffalo Trace/Sazerac does not ruin what Barton has going on here.

[JPBoston]

Squire is the master of VOB here... looking forward to what he has to say about this subject.

[squire]

Who me? Yes, I prefer the Barton profile yet in some ways the EWB is a more complex whisky. Of the two Barton, even though a very clean, straightforward whisky, is at the same time heavier in body and fuller in flavor than EW. I'll just address the two brands as they appear on the shelves today:

Very Old Barton, 80-86-90-100 proof, age stated as 6 years.

Barton is an old school take no prisoners style whisky of singular character that you take as is because it's not gonna change to suit you. It tastes older than six years to me but to say it's 7-8 years old would imply tasting skills beyond my reach. Full bodied with a deep, well balanced aroma that brings forth traditional Bourbon elements of vanilla-oak and maple-caramel with a definite rye spiciness. The rye element is more apparent in the taste, so much so that if you gave it to someone in a blind tasting and told them it was a rye whisky many people would believe you.

Evan Williams Black Label, 86 proof, no age statement.

This brand was created as a Jack Daniels imitation right down to the square bottle and black label, even similar font style and wording. The brand has matured to stand in it's own right as the second largest selling Bourbon in the country today and it didn't get there overnight so it is a well thought out, carefully made whisky. This is Heaven Hill's flagship brand and they are very careful to keep it consistent, which it is. This whisky has higher social aspirations than Barton but it's genteel veneer doesn't fully conceal it's gutsy, solid Bourbon nature. Medium bodied with a nose similar to Barton but slightly milder and noticeably more sweet. With the rye downplayed some writers have described the taste as having malt elements but I do not find it so, rather a solid, mature Bourbon with the edges rounded off. This is the brand I recommend to the young hostess who asks me for 'a good Bourbon' to fill out the selection of spirits at a social event. It will please those who drown their whisky with mixers and won't offend those who actually want some taste in their glass.

If you already drink Bourbon I recommend Barton hands down, just get a bottle of EWB also for your wife and her friends.

Edited March 5, 2013 by squire

[JPBoston]

Nice write-up, Squire --- I knew you'd make me even more jealous that I can't get VOB here.

[SFS]

Squire, thank you for this level of analysis. I enjoy all your posts, and it's nice to see some lengthier discourse. I suspect you may have tired of writing when you worked, but I like your style, and hope for more.

[White Dog]

I know it sounds counter intuitive but I actually prefer VOB 86 to VOB BIB. Hopefully Buffalo Trace/Sazerac does not ruin what Barton has going on here.

I don't think it's counter intuitive, as they have more dump leeway with a non-BIB.

[weller_tex]

Who me? Yes, I prefer the Barton profile yet in some ways the EWB is a more complex whisky. Of the two Barton, even though a very clean, straightforward whisky, is at the same time heavier in body and fuller in flavor than EW. I'll just address the two brands as they appear on the shelves today:

Very Old Barton, 80-86-90-100 proof, age stated as 6 years.

Barton is an old school take no prisoners style whisky of singular character that you take as is because it's not gonna change to suit you. It tastes older than six years to me but to say it's 7-8 years old would imply tasting skills beyond my reach. Full bodied with a deep, well balanced aroma that brings forth traditional Bourbon elements of vanilla-oak and maple-caramel with a definite rye spiciness. The rye element is more apparent in the taste, so much so that if you gave it to someone in a blind tasting and told them it was a rye whisky many people would believe you.

Evan Williams Black Label, 86 proof, no age statement.

This brand was created as a Jack Daniels imitation right down to the square bottle and black label, even similar font style and wording. The brand has matured to stand in it's own right as the second largest selling Bourbon in the country today and it didn't get there overnight so it is a well thought out, carefully made whisky. This is Heaven Hill's flagship brand and they are very careful to keep it consistent, which it is. This whisky has higher social aspirations than Barton but it's genteel veneer doesn't fully conceal it's gutsy, solid Bourbon nature. Medium bodied with a nose similar to Barton but slightly milder and noticeably more sweet. With the rye downplayed some writers have described the taste as having malt elements but I do not find it so, rather a solid, mature Bourbon with the edges rounded off. This is the brand I recommend to the young hostess who asks me for 'a good Bourbon' to fill out the selection of spirits at a social event. It will please those who drown their whisky with mixers and won't offend those who actually want some taste in their glass.

If you already drink Bourbon I recommend Barton hands down, just get a bottle of EWB also for your wife and her friends.

Very good writing! I agree 100%

[squire]

Drinks are accepted as tips, I'll be here all night.

[JPBoston]

Drinks are accepted as tips, I'll be here all night.

I'll pour you some EWB.

[squire]

I'll say thank you and drink it.

[JPBoston]

Done deal. Next time you're heading to AZ, you let me know, sir.

[Grain Belt]

Nice thread! I can't get VOB in any incarnation in Minnesota so I ordered some various proofs from TPS when they had a shipping deal in November. I enjoyed the 86 very much. That being said I have been through many a good time with ol' Evan Black. Just because he has been there for me over the years and I have a strange ability to taste nastalga, I am going with Evan Black for the win. Sometimes I am not very scientific, but I'm loyal.

[black mamba]

Never had Barton anything, but EWB in a FS is what sits in the kitchen for my wife to bake/cook with.

[TheNovaMan]

Just because he has been there for me over the years and I have a strange ability to taste nastalga, I am going with Evan Black for the win. Sometimes I am not very scientific, but I'm loyal.

Nothing wrong with that - it's all about what you enjoy the most. (I'm the same way with whiskey, nostalgia, and loyalty.)