Is Evan Williams any good?

[Mashface]

I posted earlier about Buffalo Trace, but the price was too steep for a mixer/sipper. I went to a different store and found EWB for $11 on sale so I bought it. Then I did a search here and didn't find too many good reviews, so I'll ask it here. How does it taste to you, is it worth it?

[ACDetroit]

Most here have stated the like it on the rocks and a mixer! I think you'll do ok with it!

Here are others: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7230&highlight=Evan+Williams

Tony

[Mashface]

Thanks for the link. That one didn't show up in my search, oddly. I opened it and I like it. It's sweet, not too much of a burn and doesn't taste cheap. After I bought it I found a liquor store whose owner had a big book and I asked him about Ancient Age. He said he could order it for me for around $14. I wonder what else he can order for me. I'm going back as soon as I decide on my next bourbon (and get some money).

[Dr. François]

EW is my standard "cheap" bourbon. I actually like it enough to drink it neat. On the rocks, I love it.

As Dennis McCarthy wrote on his "Whiskey Corner" website, "A fine bourbon; no flaws, but also no particular thrills." (Link)

I have to agree.

As much as I like Buffalo Trace products, I'm going to steer you away from Ancient Age. I tried it over winter break and was VERY disappointed. It was gross.

You can see my write up on my quest for cheap whiskey here, including my impressions of EWB and AA: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8303&page=3

See Post #25

[mozilla]

Thanks for the link. That one didn't show up in my search, oddly. I opened it and I like it. It's sweet, not too much of a burn and doesn't taste cheap. After I bought it I found a liquor store whose owner had a big book and I asked him about Ancient Age. He said he could order it for me for around $14. I wonder what else he can order for me. I'm going back as soon as I decide on my next bourbon (and get some money).

If you are going to order some AA...make sure it is not the 3yr 80 proof. All other AA and AAA are worth the buy though. IIRC there is a 90 proof, Bib, AAA 10 star and AAA 10 year.

As far as HH products...I find them to be widely rangeing. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. You just have to try them to know for sure. Good luck!

[dcb]

being only $9 at my local, I almost always have a bottle of evan williams on the shelf.

[NickAtMartinis]

Thanks for the link. That one didn't show up in my search, oddly. I opened it and I like it. It's sweet, not too much of a burn and doesn't taste cheap. After I bought it I found a liquor store whose owner had a big book and I asked him about Ancient Age. He said he could order it for me for around $14. I wonder what else he can order for me. I'm going back as soon as I decide on my next bourbon (and get some money).

Just remember that all liquor store employees/owners will say they can order anything you request providing it appears in their distiributors' books. Just because it's listed doesn't mean it will be available to them. I've been in the same position numerous times only to find out that the distributor was out of _______ bourbon.

[fogfrog]

I think Evan Williams Black is fantastic. I like the white label Bottled in Bond too. I drink them neat or with a little water.

Evan Williams is like 9 or 10 bucks here.. after tasting that, then you can try some others, start a collection.... if you want to try less expensive ones, then you might try the bottle of the month here which is Weller Reserve.

I have amassed quite a collection of bottles, but if I was travelling and wanted to buy a bottle to drink, it would be Evan Williams Black.

[TNbourbon]

Just remember that all liquor store employees/owners will say they can order anything you request providing it appears in their distiributors' books...

All, Mark? Sorry you're served by such poor liquor-store employees. I happen to help staff a store which is very conscientious about prefacing such offers to search for product with, "If we can get it..." We're also very conscientious about seeking it out, regardless of the limitations Tennessee monopolistic distribution system puts on us.

I know we're not the only one in the area, because the Black Maple Hill line came into our region several years ago because of a specific request from me to a retailer who had the patience and perserverence to jump through the product-registration hoops here to bring it in.

Frankly, I don't continue to frequent store which don't supply earnest and honest customer service, and I don't expect my customers to, either. And I habituate several other stores with similar attitudes. Is it really that rare?

[NickAtMartinis]

All, Mark? Sorry you're served by such poor liquor-store employees. I happen to help staff a store which is very conscientious about prefacing such offers to search for product with, "If we can get it..."

I wish that were the case, Tim. Unfortunately, in my area, this happens all the time. In fact, when I picked up my bottle of EC 12 and a mini bookers I asked the woman behind the counter - who actually drinks bourbon - if she had any ORVW or PVW. After checking with her boss, she came back and said no but that they could certainly order it. I said that it's doubtful she could get any VW this time of year in CT. Her boss chimed in and said it wouldn't be a problem.

So, I left my number and sure enough I received a phone call just a few hours ago saying that he wasn't able to get any VW's until April. It happens all the time.

I swear I'm the only person who drinks bourbon in eastern CT.