EW BIB vs Single Barrel

[b1gcountry]

I have come to really enjoy EWBIB. I had my first taste of the single barrel last night, and while it didn't taste bad, it felt a little thin, and lacked something compared to the BIB. I did like the more delicate notes, and it avoided some of the young corn taste I get from the BIB.

my Caveat is this: I tried the 86 proof SB right after a 112 proof WTRB, so I very well might have been missing out on a lot that the SB had to offer because it was being over powered by the WTRB I just finished.Thoughts? What is your preference?

 

 

 

 

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

Yes, you should reverse the order of the tasting.  Also, I add a splash of water or two to the EWBiB, but hardly a few drops if at all to a 2oz sample of any EWSB.  Lastly, I really enjoy setting up a line of the EWSB vintages I have open, 2014, 2015, 2016, and compare those side by side, then in closing, bring in a small dram of EWBL or EWBiB just for dramatic contrast at the end.  Very interesting notes become apparent in side-by-sides that were otherwise somewhat unnoticed Have fun!

Edited December 17, 2015 by O'DubhGhaill

[ken_mays]

I never cared all that much for the EWSB, though I enjoy all the other EW expressions except the black label (too corny tasting).   I couldn't put my finger on what I didn't like about the EWSB until I read someone here mentioning a "pencil lead finish" and I thought that nailed it pretty well for me.  This was the case in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 EWSBs for me.   I haven't tried 2006 and frankly probably won't.

[ethangsmith]

I like them both equally for what they do. The Single Barrel has a bit of variance between each bottle but it's consistently flavorful. More of a mellow sipper that hits the right points. The BIB is Single Barrel's loud, weightlifting brother. It's bolder, spicier, and not as refined. Is that bad? Not really. It's what it does. I go to each of them equally depending on what I'm in the mood for. WT Rare Breed? After the proof jump, I think it turned into thin, fiery crap. Whoever adjusted the blend did and awful job. When that went to 112 proof, it was actually the EW BIB that took its place on my shelf!

[TheNovaMan]

I think I've had three different EWSBs, and they're good, but no SB will ever taste like a BIB, and I'm a BIB kind of guy.  I would re-taste side by side by side with BIB and BIB proofed down to 86.  Speaking of 86, you might also throw in a pour of EW black as a control like O'DubhGhaill suggested.  Hmm, that sounds like a fun tasting...

[jtexaslonestar]

Yes, the BIB is my go to pour! I enjoy the SB bottling but maybe it would fair better at 92 or so  proof, of course. It certainly has a thinner  feel to me as well, but I enjoy it as a sipping pour as Ethan points out. 

[Grain Belt]

If I could only have one bourbon (god forbid) it would be EWBIB.  It has it all for me.  Flavor, proof, versatility from neat to mixing, and price.  I make a fair amount of old fashioneds and Manhattans and EWBIB really shines in them.  My wife and I also like to sip EWBIB with a splash of water in a Glencairn.  I think some other posts hit a valuable point about EWBIB, it is very consistent.  I enjoy EWSB from time to time, but it is quite variable.  Some years have been excellent and well worth sorting out.  The price is always worth the experiment though. 

[kaiserhog]

  EWBIB is one of the greatest values in bourbon.

[fishnbowljoe]

13 hours ago, kaiserhog said:

  EWBIB is one of the greatest values in bourbon.

I second this.

I've only tried two or three EWSB's, and wasn't too impressed with any of them. Given a choice, it's EWBIB for me hands down.

Cheers! Joe

[squire]

I like Evan single barrel, like it a lot, but it was some years ago I put one back on the shelf and grabbed two EWBIBs instead and haven't looked back.  The BIB is a bit rougher around the edges yet makes up the difference in robustness.  If Heaven Hill reintroduces an 8 or 10 year BIB Old Grand Dad will have to make some room in the pantry.