Evan Williams White Label 100 Proof 750ML

Evan Williams White Label 100 Proof 750ML is a bottled-in-bond Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey at 50% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Backed by multiple Gold medals in 2022—including wins from the International Wine and Spirits Competition and SIP Awards—this expression consistently punches above its price tier, earning a 90 rating and Great Value designation from the Ultimate Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Bottled-in-Bond (Minimum 4 Years)  |  Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bernheim Distillery, Louisville)

Production & Heritage

Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935 and now the largest independent, family-owned distiller in the United States, produces Evan Williams White Label at its Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The bourbon follows a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, distilled using traditional column-still methods and aged in new charred American oak barrels within federally bonded warehouses. As a Bottled-in-Bond product, it meets the strict requirements of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897: produced in a single distillation season, by one distillery, aged a minimum of four years under government supervision, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. According to Heaven Hill Brand Ambassador Bernie Lubbers, the liquid actually carries closer to five years of age, exceeding the legal minimum.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich caramel and vanilla, followed by toasted oak and barley grain. A subtle citrus zest lifts the darker notes, with toasted nuts emerging as the bourbon breathes.

Taste: The entry is sweet with brown sugar and caramel, giving way to a mid-palate layered with vanilla, cinnamon, and black pepper. Toasted oak provides structure, while threads of dark chocolate and salted nuts develop toward the peak, balanced by a citrus brightness that keeps the sweetness in check.

Finish: The finish runs warm and notably long for the category, drying out with firm oak tannins and lingering baking spice. A final echo of black pepper and toasted grain closes things out cleanly.

How to Drink Evan Williams White Label

At 100 proof, the White Label is robust enough to handle a single large ice cube without losing its character, though sipping neat at room temperature reveals the full depth of its oak and spice profile. A few drops of water can open up the caramel and citrus notes further.

• Old Fashioned: The 100-proof backbone stands up to sugar and bitters without getting buried, delivering a rich, spice-driven classic.
• Whiskey Sour: The bourbon's brown sugar sweetness and citrus undertones create natural harmony with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
• Kentucky Mule: The higher proof cuts through ginger beer's sweetness with enough spice and oak presence to remain the star of the drink.

Best For

• Building a home bourbon collection anchored by a reliable bottled-in-bond option
• Hosting cocktail nights where a versatile, high-proof mixer is essential
• Introducing friends to the bottled-in-bond category without a steep investment
• Side-by-side tastings comparing bottled-in-bond expressions across distilleries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Evan Williams White Label taste like? Evan Williams White Label leads with sweet caramel and brown sugar, layered with baking spices like cinnamon and black pepper, and balanced by toasted oak and a touch of dark chocolate. The finish is warm, dry, and lingering with firm tannins.

How does Evan Williams White Label compare to Wild Turkey 101? Both are budget-friendly 101/100-proof bourbons, but Evan Williams White Label uses a lower-rye mashbill (10% rye versus Wild Turkey's estimated higher rye content), resulting in a slightly sweeter, more caramel-forward profile compared to Wild Turkey 101's bolder spice and citrus character. The White Label also carries the bottled-in-bond designation, guaranteeing specific aging and production standards that Wild Turkey 101 does not claim.

Is Evan Williams White Label good for cocktails? Its 100-proof strength and balanced flavor profile make it an excellent cocktail bourbon—it holds its own against mixers and ice dilution while staying affordable enough for regular use in Old Fashioneds, Whiskey Sours, and highballs.

Where is Evan Williams White Label made? Evan Williams White Label is distilled and aged at Heaven Hill's Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. All production, aging, and bottling occur under federal bonded warehouse supervision as required by the Bottled-in-Bond Act.

What foods pair well with Evan Williams White Label? Smoked brisket or pulled pork pairs naturally with the bourbon's oak and caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate or pecan pie echoes its dessert-like mid-palate notes. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a satisfying contrast against the brown sugar and spice, while grilled stone fruits like peaches complement the citrus and vanilla undertones.

What sizes does Evan Williams White Label come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, though Heaven Hill also distributes the expression in 1L and 1.75L formats depending on market availability.

Is Evan Williams White Label worth the price? Evan Williams White Label positions firmly in the value tier of Kentucky bourbon, yet its bottled-in-bond credentials, verified age of at least four years (reportedly closer to five), and consistent award recognition place it alongside expressions that cost significantly more. It is widely regarded as one of the strongest values in American whiskey.

Why Evan Williams White Label?

The bottled-in-bond designation is not marketing language—it is a legally enforced guarantee of production transparency that few bourbons at this price level carry. With a reported five years of aging, a classic Heaven Hill mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and a 100-proof bottling strength, the White Label delivers density and complexity that challenge bourbons priced two or three times higher. Its 2022 sweep of Gold medals from the International Wine and Spirits Competition, TAG Global Spirits Awards, and SIP Awards confirms what bourbon drinkers have known for years: this is one of the most undervalued bottles on the shelf. For anyone building a bourbon library or stocking a bar, the White Label belongs alongside its more expensive peers.