The black label is a workhorse for a reason. Evan Williams is a classic Kentucky straight bourbon from Heaven Hill, an honest, affordable pour that has earned its place as one of the best-selling bourbons in the world. We keep it on the shelf at Camp West in West Seattle as the dependable everyday whiskey at our cabin-inspired bar in the Junction.
About the Distillery
Evan Williams is bottled by Heaven Hill, the family-owned distiller headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand is named for Evan Williams, an early Kentucky distiller, and the modern label was introduced by Heaven Hill in 1957. The familiar black-label bottling is the company’s flagship bourbon and a fixture on bar shelves across the country.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV) and aged for a minimum of four years, typically around five years in practice. It uses Heaven Hill’s standard bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, the same recipe behind Elijah Craig, which gives it a sweet, approachable backbone.
Tasting Notes
Expect a straightforward, crowd-pleasing profile of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, with a touch of dried fruit and gentle spice. The palate is smooth and easygoing, finishing clean with sweet oak. It is uncomplicated in the best way.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
At $9 a pour, Evan Williams is the friendliest price on the shelf and a natural mixer. It is great on the rocks, makes a reliable highball, and is the backbone of a no-fuss bourbon and Coke or whiskey sour. Of course it is perfectly nice neat, too.
FAQ
How old is Evan Williams Black Label? It is non-age-stated but aged a minimum of four years, with most of the whiskey landing around five years old.
Is it the same recipe as Elijah Craig? Yes, both use Heaven Hill’s standard bourbon mash bill, though Elijah Craig is aged longer and bottled at a higher proof.
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