Evan Williams Single Barrel 250th Anniversary 750ML

Evan Williams Single Barrel 250th Anniversary 750ML is a barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 117.76 proof (58.88% ABV) from Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. This limited release drew from just 250 barrels hand-selected by the Master Distiller, with each bottle left unblended to preserve the unique character of its individual cask. The proof itself is a deliberate nod to 1776, the year Evan Williams is credited with establishing Kentucky's first commercial distillery.

Quick Facts: ABV: 58.88% (117.76 proof)  |  Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA  |  Single Barrel, Barrel Proof  |  Distillery: Heaven Hill

Production & Heritage

Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935 and still family-owned by the Shapira family, ranks among the largest bourbon producers in the world. The 250th Anniversary expression follows Heaven Hill's traditional sour mash process: a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley is distilled through a column still and matured in new charred American oak barrels. What separates this release from the standard Evan Williams Single Barrel is its barrel-proof bottling—no water is added after aging—and its extreme selectivity, with the Master Distiller choosing only 250 barrels from the full inventory to commemorate the milestone anniversary of Evan Williams' original distilling operation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich caramel and vanilla bean lead immediately, followed by toasted oak, warm baking spices, and a subtle layer of dried honey and leather. Given time in the glass, dried fruit and a faint smokiness from the charred oak emerge.

Taste: The entry is full-bodied and assertive at barrel proof, coating the palate with dark caramel and warm butterscotch. Mid-palate, honeyed corn sweetness gives way to brown sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper, while charred wood and a thread of dark fruit add depth. Despite the high proof, the sweetness keeps the heat in check, though a splash of water opens additional layers of toasted oak and cocoa.

Finish: Long, warming, and layered—lingering spice, charred oak tannins, cocoa, and sweet vanilla persist well after the sip. A subtle dryness from the oak rounds out the experience, leaving a satisfying interplay of sweetness and char.

How to Drink the 250th Anniversary

Neat or with a few drops of water is the primary serve; the barrel-proof strength rewards slow sipping and opens considerably with dilution. A single large ice cube also tames the proof while preserving the dense flavor profile. For cocktails, this bourbon's intensity and sweetness hold up well:

• Old Fashioned — The high proof cuts through sugar and bitters without losing its caramel-forward character.
• Boulevardier — The charred oak and dark fruit notes stand toe-to-toe with Campari and sweet vermouth.
• Mint Julep — Barrel-proof bourbon maintains richness over crushed ice as it dilutes.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon collector who values limited single-barrel releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing barrel-proof bourbon against standard-proof expressions
• Marking a milestone celebration with a commemorative bottling
• Adding a barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon to a home whiskey library

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 250th Anniversary taste like? It delivers a bold, caramel-driven flavor profile anchored by dark brown sugar, charred oak, cinnamon, and black pepper, finishing with cocoa and lingering vanilla. The barrel-proof strength amplifies every note, giving it a dense, chewy mouthfeel.

How does the 250th Anniversary compare to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof? Both are barrel-proof single-barrel bourbons produced at Heaven Hill using the same mashbill (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley), but the 250th Anniversary is drawn from a much smaller selection of just 250 barrels chosen specifically for this commemorative release. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof carries a 12-year age statement and is released in wider batches, often producing a slightly different balance of oak influence and proof variation.

Is the 250th Anniversary good for sipping neat? Yes—though it sits at 117.76 proof, the underlying sweetness and dense mouthfeel make it approachable neat for experienced bourbon drinkers. A few drops of water can unlock additional complexity for those who prefer to soften the heat.

Where is the 250th Anniversary made? It is distilled and bottled at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, a facility that has produced bourbon continuously since 1935 and remains one of the state's largest distilling operations.

What foods pair well with the 250th Anniversary? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the charred oak mirrors the smokiness of the meat; dark chocolate truffles, which echo the cocoa on the finish; pecan pie, complementing the caramel and brown sugar sweetness; sharp aged cheddar, whose tangy richness offsets the bourbon's sweetness; and bread pudding with bourbon sauce, creating a natural flavor bridge.

What sizes does the 250th Anniversary come in? This commemorative release is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is the 250th Anniversary worth the price? It positions as a limited, premium expression within the Evan Williams lineup—step up from the standard Single Barrel in both proof and exclusivity. The barrel-proof format, hand-selected cask origin, and limited 250-barrel production run place it in a competitive tier alongside other allocated single-barrel bourbons from major Kentucky distilleries.

Why the 250th Anniversary?

The defining feature of this release is its scarcity and intentionality: only 250 barrels were deemed worthy by Heaven Hill's Master Distiller, and each bottle reflects the unblended character of a single cask at full barrel strength. The symbolic 117.76 proof ties the liquid directly to the brand's historical narrative, making it as much a collector's piece as a drinking bourbon. At barrel proof, it delivers a level of intensity and depth that the standard Evan Williams Single Barrel—bottled at 86.6 proof—simply cannot match. For bourbon enthusiasts seeking a robust, limited Heaven Hill single barrel that marries heritage with power, this anniversary expression stands as a compelling option in a crowded barrel-proof market.