Evan Williams help

[Dave43]

Now that heaven hill has disappeared in the Minnesota market I need an alternative for my value bourbon. I've read EW is similar. I picked up a handle at SAMs club for $20. It is a black label NAS. Anyone know the age on this? How does it compare to HH offerings?

[GaryT]

Now that heaven hill has disappeared in the Minnesota market I need an alternative for my value bourbon. I've read EW is similar. I picked up a handle at SAMs club for $20. It is a black label NAS. Anyone know the age on this? How does it compare to HH offerings?

I think EW Black is a fine bourbon for the money. As for age, it is straight with NAS so believe that means a minimum of 4 yrs (I haven't taken the tour recently where they might talk about the typical range). If you've never had it, I would have recommended picking up a 50mL or 200 mL first, but I can't imagine what else you could have bought a handle of for $20 that you would be happier with. Obviously opinions will vary. I haven't owned a lot of HH labeled as Heaven Hill (I have a 90 proofer that is interesting, although I honestly prefer EW Black over it most nights).

[JPBoston]

EWB is my favorite value pour. There are two EW's with black labels though, so just to be clear, is the "1783" large print or fairly small?

I doubt either are very old. Maybe 4-5 yrs for standard, 5-6 for the 1783 (bigger print version).

I've never had any Heaven Hill branded offerings, as the only version we have here is the 80 proofer. But EWB does share some strong traits with Fighting Cock and even Elijah Craig 12.

[Josh]

Also a big fan of EWB. It does a good job of balancing the minty, oaky and caramel elements of the HH profile. I think VOB and OGD BiB are probably better but there's nothing I don't like about EWB. It's one of my summer go-tos.

[vrdubin6]

EW BiB (White Label) is only $2 more than the Black Label and it's a fantastic pour for the price. Although I've heard many say it's hard to find in certain areas.

[Dave43]

EWB is my favorite value pour. There are two EW's with black labels though, so just to be clear, is the "1783" large print or fairly small?

I doubt either are very old. Maybe 4-5 yrs for standard, 5-6 for the 1783 (bigger print version).

I've never had any Heaven Hill branded offerings, as the only version we have here is the 80 proofer. But EWB does share some strong traits with Fighting Cock and even Elijah Craig 12.

Not sure about the size...bought it recently so I'm guessing 4 years as that's the way the industry is going. Looks like good bourbon aged 6-8 years for reasonable prices are a thing of the past.

[squire]

Evan Williams black label should contain some older whisky to maintain the flavor profile. True, it's no longer 7 years age stated but Heaven Hill is sitting on something like a million barrels aging in the warehouses so it's not like they have to cut back to 4 year old stuff because of shortages.

[Hawg73]

I also. enjoy the EWB as a value pour, Consistent, available and inexpensive.

[TunnelTiger]

Really enjoy the EWBIB. A great value pour.

[PaulO]

Now that heaven hill has disappeared in the Minnesota market I need an alternative for my value bourbon. I've read EW is similar. I picked up a handle at SAMs club for $20. It is a black label NAS. Anyone know the age on this? How does it compare to HH offerings?

Evan Williams is one of many brands made by Heaven Hill. All the HH bourbons (except for Old Fitz./Larceny and some Parker's Heritage) are the same mash bill. From there the differences are due to age, proof, and barrel selection. So if you like the Heaven Hill brand, Evan Williams should taste very familiar.

Edited June 28, 2014 by PaulO

[TheNovaMan]

Which HH were you drinking previously?

[jmj_203]

I'm just crossing my fingers HH is merely doing a regrouping and preparing to roll-out EWBiB on a larger distribution scale. I know they D/C'd the green 90 proofer, or it was never available like in my state, a lot of people are also stating HHBiB is gone (our gold label HHBiB is indeed gone, I know because I have the last 5 bottles from the state). With all these markets no longer seeing HHBiB or 90, I'm just hoping maybe they push EWBiB to previously unavailable markets (pennsylvania!!!!!) I mean they must have extra 4-6 year old juice to go around if they aren't doing much HH labeled bourbon anymore right?

[Gillman]

The white label bond made it up here and I bought two. It is an excellent whiskey, fully matured while not "old", good rich taste, everything a bourbon should be. First sip brought back old Kentuck memories.

The two bottles seem, if I read the codes right, six bottles apart in bottling, yet they aren't exactly the same. One has less of a nose and a slightly different taste, but both are great.

Gary

[flahute]

I'll agree with the others in singing the praises of EWBIB white label. It's widely available here fortunately.

[Jazz Nut]

Now that heaven hill has disappeared in the Minnesota market I need an alternative for my value bourbon. I've read EW is similar. I picked up a handle at SAMs club for $20. It is a black label NAS. Anyone know the age on this? How does it compare to HH offerings?

I too live in Minnesota and still have some of the Heaven Hill 8 and Heaven Hill BIB left, and think you will find the EWB similar. My replacement has become EW BIB though, really good stuff. You can find EW BIB in the Minneapolis area.

[ken_mays]

Old Ezra 101 7 yo is pretty close to EWBIB and the less-distributed HHBIB, if you are unable to find either of those. I can't tell a difference from the extra year or two, personally.

[TunnelTiger]

I'll agree with the others in singing the praises of EWBIB white label. It's widely available here fortunately.

Here as well, an excellent tasting bourbon at a fair price. Well at least it's a fair price today.