Evan Williams Single Barrel 750ML

Evan Williams Single Barrel 750ML is a vintage-dated Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 43.3% ABV (86.6 proof) from a single charred American oak barrel. It stands alone as the only vintage-dated single barrel bourbon widely available on the market — a distinction that has helped earn the expression multiple "Whiskey of the Year" honors and Double Gold medals.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43.3% (86.6 proof)  |  Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA  |  Aged approximately 7-8 years  |  Distillery: Heaven Hill

Production & Heritage

Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky — one of the largest family-owned and operated distilleries in the United States — produces Evan Williams Single Barrel using a traditional mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The bourbon ages approximately seven to eight years in new charred American oak barrels, and each bottle is drawn from a single barrel rather than blended across multiple casks. What separates this expression from the broader Evan Williams range and most competitors is the vintage dating: every bottle carries the exact date the whiskey entered the barrel, the year it was bottled, and the specific barrel number, giving drinkers full transparency into its origins.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet caramel and honey arrive first, followed by toasted oak and charred wood. A layer of vanilla and graham cracker develops underneath, with toasted marshmallow rounding out the nose.

Taste: The entry is warm with a peppery rye kick that gives way to a mid-palate wave of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. Oak maintains a steady backbone throughout, while notes of apple, orange peel, and a hint of tobacco add complexity as the bourbon opens up.

Finish: Long and elegant, with sweet oak and dried fruit lingering alongside measured spice. The warmth fades gradually, leaving a satisfying trail of seasoned wood and brown sugar.

How to Drink Evan Williams Single Barrel

Neat or with a few drops of water is the best way to appreciate the barrel-specific character and vintage variation. The 86.6-proof bottling strength is accessible enough to sip without dilution, though a single large ice cube opens up additional sweetness. For cocktails, it works well in an Old Fashioned, where its caramel and oak foundation holds up against bitters and sugar; a Boulevardier, where the rye spice cuts through sweet vermouth and Campari; and a Whiskey Sour, where the vanilla and fruit notes complement fresh citrus juice.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring single barrel variation and vintage comparisons
• Gifting an affordable yet distinctive whiskey to an enthusiast
• Building a home bar with a versatile, well-aged Kentucky straight bourbon
• Side-by-side tastings comparing different vintage years from the same distillery

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Evan Williams Single Barrel taste like? It leads with caramel, vanilla, and warm baking spices, supported by a persistent oak presence and a peppery rye accent. The finish is long, with sweet dried fruit and seasoned wood lingering well after each sip.

How does Evan Williams Single Barrel compare to Elijah Craig Small Batch? Elijah Craig Small Batch is bottled at a higher 47% ABV and is a blend of multiple barrels, producing a more consistent profile from bottle to bottle. Evan Williams Single Barrel, at 43.3% ABV, offers a gentler proof point and the appeal of barrel-specific character that can vary with each vintage and barrel number.

Is Evan Williams Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Yes — the moderate 86.6-proof strength and seven-to-eight-year age statement deliver enough complexity for neat sipping without being overly aggressive on the palate.

Where is Evan Williams Single Barrel made? It is produced at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the largest family-owned spirits producers in the United States and a cornerstone of the Kentucky bourbon industry.

What foods pair well with Evan Williams Single Barrel? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak notes; dark chocolate truffles echo the caramel and vanilla sweetness; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the bourbon's richness; pecan pie mirrors its brown sugar and toasted nut undertones; and apple cobbler highlights the fruit notes on the palate.

What sizes does Evan Williams Single Barrel come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Evan Williams Single Barrel worth the price? It positions as one of the strongest values in the single barrel bourbon category, delivering an age statement of seven to eight years, vintage dating, and barrel-specific character at an entry-level price point where most competitors offer blended products.

Why Evan Williams Single Barrel?

The vintage dating alone sets this bourbon apart — no other widely available single barrel bourbon gives drinkers a specific barrel number, vintage year, and bottling date on every label. That transparency, combined with seven to eight years of aging in charred American oak, delivers a level of traceability usually reserved for far more expensive expressions. Multiple industry awards, including Double Gold medals and repeated "Whiskey of the Year" recognition, confirm that the liquid inside matches the promise on the label. For anyone seeking barrel-specific Kentucky straight bourbon without paying a premium price, this remains one of the most compelling options in the category.