EWB Age?

[Mr. Bourbon]

Does anyone know how long the EWB is aged for for? Because I compared the color to JBW and EWB is much darker and tastes more rich and full.

I have to pay $29 for a 750ml here and I still think it's worth it, I'd almost pick it over BT which is $40 here...

Why would anyone want JBW over EWB?

[Richnimrod]

Does anyone know how long the EWB is aged for for? Because I compared the color to JBW and EWB is much darker and tastes more rich and full.

I have to pay $29 for a 750ml here and I still think it's worth it, I'd almost pick it over BT which is $40 here...

Why would anyone want JBW over EWB?

Welllll, all tastes differ, and one should always allow for that variance; but, that said; I agree with your statement about EWB vs JBW.

I don't think anyone knows the age of EWB, since it is now NAS; but I would guess it's around 6-years old and may have older stuff in it's blending. JBW is also NAS, (again; Strictly My Guess...) probably does not contain much distillate over about 4-years. If the Beam profile is what you like; I'd say Knob Creek is a far better bet, or Baker's, or Booker's, though Booker's isn't extra old, the bigger proof show's off Beams profile waaaay better....IMHO.

[Mr. Bourbon]

Welllll, all tastes differ, and one should always allow for that variance; but, that said; I agree with your statement about EWB vs JBW.

I don't think anyone knows the age of EWB, since it is now NAS; but I would guess it's around 6-years old and may have older stuff in it's blending. JBW is also NAS, (again; Strictly My Guess...) probably does not contain much distillate over about 4-years. If the Beam profile is what you like; I'd say Knob Creek is a far better bet, or Baker's, or Booker's, though Booker's isn't extra old, the bigger proof show's off Beams profile waaaay better....IMHO.

I've had Bookers before and that simply blew me away!

[Jace]

I've had Bookers before and that simply blew me away!

It IS a great bourbon. Although, The ones that have come out this year, for some reason, I didn't find as good as the 2013-14 releases... Anyone else picked up on this?

The 2015-02 was almost as big a let-down as the new Noah's Mill(without wax-top). Are they using all the good stuff for the new releases(big man, Center-cut, etc.)?

[jsrudd]

EWB used to have a seven year age statement, but it was removed some years ago and so it's probably a little younger than that.

[squire]

Years ago when the 7 year 90 proof Evan Williams Black label was still on the shelves they had a 6 year 86 proof available in some areas. So I figure the current mix is between 5-7 years with perhaps some older stuff added to keep the profile.

[jp_stargazer]

Why would anyone want JBW over EWB?

I think it depends on what you're going for, like some have mentioned. Honestly, JBW was my gateway into enjoying whiskey, in a round-about way. Additionally, it is nice to be able to enjoy JBW because many bars that don't really have a large brown liquor selection will at least have JBW.

I feel JBW is a better mixer because of it's corn sweetness when compared to the fuller flavor of EWB. I have found that many people who are receptive to whiskey and colas are generally not keen on the flavor of whiskey itself, so the "milder" whiskies are generally popular (whether that is JBW or JD or something Canadian). I've used Old Charter 8 in the past for an "inoffensive" whiskey mixed drink, for this reason.

Disregarding price, I would also choose EWB...it just so happens it is also several dollars cheaper than JBW in my area.

Jason

[squire]

I prefer the nose of Evan Williams over Jim Beam. Not a big difference, just enough to tilt the scales. That and EWB is lower priced while being higher proof.

[Mr. Bourbon]

Just watched a vid on Youtube of parker talking and he said EWB is a blend of 5,6,7 8 year old.

[Flyfish]

Just watched a vid on Youtube of parker talking and he said EWB is a blend of 5,6,7 8 year old.

So, even the youngest bourbon in EWB is older than JBW. 'splains a lot. Add in the extra proof and it is easy to see why many of us prefer the EWB.

[ken_mays]

I think it depends on what you're going for, like some have mentioned. Honestly, JBW was my gateway into enjoying whiskey, in a round-about way. Additionally, it is nice to be able to enjoy JBW because many bars that don't really have a large brown liquor selection will at least have JBW.

I feel JBW is a better mixer because of it's corn sweetness when compared to the fuller flavor of EWB. I have found that many people who are receptive to whiskey and colas are generally not keen on the flavor of whiskey itself, so the "milder" whiskies are generally popular (whether that is JBW or JD or something Canadian). I've used Old Charter 8 in the past for an "inoffensive" whiskey mixed drink, for this reason.

Disregarding price, I would also choose EWB...it just so happens it is also several dollars cheaper than JBW in my area.

Jason

That's interesting. Last EWB I had (out of a bottle that had been open a couple years), corn was about the only thing I could taste.

[amg]

That's interesting. Last EWB I had (out of a bottle that had been open a couple years), corn was about the only thing I could taste.

[Mr. Bourbon]

So, even the youngest bourbon in EWB is older than JBW. 'splains a lot. Add in the extra proof and it is easy to see why many of us prefer the EWB.

The video was posted in 2010 so it could be of different ages now. I'm going to email them and ask.

[Harry in WashDC]

I've always preferred Evan Williams Black to JBW for mixing (except for 50/50 JB & Coke over ice which nothing can beat on a hot day). On the other hand, I prefer JB Black over EWB for sipping neat even though both are 86 proof. Now that JB bonded is readily available, I've started moving away from both JBB and EWB for mixing and for "homogenized" sipping.

[Aside: This is getting a whole lot more complicated than it needs to be - it's just bourbon for goodness' sake, not brain surgery. I need a few shots of Blanton's to help me figure out where I was going with this comment.]

EDIT - Don't hold your breath waiting for clarification. I have no idea what's going on.

[Mr. Bourbon]

Here is the reply from the email I sent to Heaven Hill.

Dear Mr. Steele:

Thank you for contacting Heaven Hill Brands and your inquiry. We thoroughly enjoy hearing from our loyal consumers and sincerely appreciate your patronage of our products.

Evan Williams Black Label is 7-year-old bourbon with a small amount of lesser-aged bourbon mingled in for consistency. Our father and son sixth- and seventh-generation Master Distillers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the consistency of the brand’s flavor profile. To give them the maximum flexibility to ensure consistency, without diminishing quality, they mingle a small amount of lesser-aged (5 and 6-year-old) Bourbon with the standard seven-year-old barrels. The broader range of ages allows us to make sure that the Evan Williams you enjoy today is just the same for many years to come. It is produced at 86 proof.

As a family owned, independent company, Heaven Hill Brands takes inquiries from our customers very seriously and hope our prompt response is evidence of this. Thank you again for your patronage and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Best regards,

[Josh]

Here is the reply from the email I sent to Heaven Hill.

Dear Mr. Steele:

Thank you for contacting Heaven Hill Brands and your inquiry. We thoroughly enjoy hearing from our loyal consumers and sincerely appreciate your patronage of our products.

Evan Williams Black Label is 7-year-old bourbon with a small amount of lesser-aged bourbon mingled in for consistency. Our father and son sixth- and seventh-generation Master Distillers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the consistency of the brand’s flavor profile. To give them the maximum flexibility to ensure consistency, without diminishing quality, they mingle a small amount of lesser-aged (5 and 6-year-old) Bourbon with the standard seven-year-old barrels. The broader range of ages allows us to make sure that the Evan Williams you enjoy today is just the same for many years to come. It is produced at 86 proof.

As a family owned, independent company, Heaven Hill Brands takes inquiries from our customers very seriously and hope our prompt response is evidence of this. Thank you again for your patronage and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Best regards,

That's a funny response. 7 y/o with some 5 & 6 y/o bourbon mixed in= 5 y/o bourbon. Because it's NAS, they also have the flexibility to add 4 y/o barrels into the mix at any time without changing the label at all.

[Mr. Bourbon]

Of course they can, but maybe the 4 year isn't close to the profile.

As long as the product is consistent it doesn't bother me much, I've only had 2 bottles of EWB and it's $30 here...But I still think it's worth it.

Bourbon prices here are crazy...

[Paddy]

Of course they can, but they're not (at least for now). If they had responded by saying that they were mingling younger 4, 5 and 6 year old in to maintain the profile, I wouldn't think any worse of them for it.

So yes, by definition it's a 5 year old bourbon, but they don't have to say that since it's NAS. The bottom line for me is that they answered the question, and gave specifics. Isn't that what we want...an honest response to an honest question?

[squire]

Well, yes, that's what we wanted and that's what we got. At least they are saying 5-7 years instead of talking about choice grains, luxuriant sunshine, special water, etc.

[Josh]

I love Evan Williams and HH in general and I love how they interact with consumers. The age of bourbon they put into EW shows. I was just making a point about flexible they can be. They've done a great job maintaining that profile even under today's high demand conditions. Nothing but love for EW & HH from me.

[squire]

In numerous (ahem) posts I've often mentioned how much I believe HH sincerely looks out for us customers.

[Mr. Bourbon]

It was a great response indeed. I see it online in the USA selling it for $12, 750ml bottle...That's impressive.

[amg]

It was a great response indeed. I see it online in the USA selling it for $12, 750ml bottle...That's impressive.

[mosugoji64]

Back in July, 1.75s were on sale at BevMo for $16.99 and had a rebate for $3. It was a steal at that price.

[Xevious]

Any idea how old EWBIB is, considering it has to be from one season? I had always assumed it was on the younger side since they have the HH 6 year label.