Today I look at the Evan Williams single barrel vintage 2006 straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey. This blog post marks the final chapter of my bourbon-tasting journey for 2016, and what a year it’s been – a whirlwind of flavours and experiences. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of sampling six bourbons and two rye whiskies.
But only two left an indelible mark on me. While my trusty Maker’s Mark and Bulleit bourbon bottles are nearly finished.
The bourbon releases I tried during the year from Heaven Hill left me wanting more. I used some Evan Williams Black Label in bourbon coffee, which used up some of the bourbon. The Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon is a delightful nectarine bourbon smash.
Fortunately, my cousin’s Texan husband is visiting soon, so I might have the perfect excuse to share these cocktails with him. However, I suspect these bottles might be in my collection for quite a long time before I can finish them.
After my recent experiences with bourbon releases, I’m somewhat hesitant to open another bottle. Nevertheless, sourcing affordable bourbon in South Africa has become increasingly challenging. Thus, I had no choice but to try Evan Williams Single Barrel, as it’s one of the few remaining options I’ve yet to explore.
Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jim Beam Bourbon
Founded by Evan Williams in 1783, it stands as Kentucky’s second-largest-selling bourbon whiskey in the United States. Evan Williams Single Barrel sets itself apart with its vintage designation. Each bottle proudly displays the year it was put into oak – in my case; it’s 2006 – as well as the bottling date (16 April 15) and the unique serial number of the single barrel it was drawn from (Barrel No 108).
Opening it can be a bit of a challenge due to the thick black wax seal. This bourbon ages approximately nine years before the Master Distiller selects and bottles it as a single barrel release.
Being a single-barrel bourbon means each bottle originates from an individual ageing barrel, resulting in a limited supply. It also means there’s no uniformity in colour and taste; each vintage offers a unique experience. Evan Williams single barrel vintage bourbon is available in South Africa and retails for around R450.
Now, the question arises: should I hunt down more cocktail recipes to savour this bourbon, or does it deserve a special place alongside my beloved Maker’s Mark? Let’s dive into the tasting.
Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2006 Bourbon Review
COUNTRY: USA
ABV: 43.3%
COLOUR: Dark Amber with hints of red and copper.
NOSE: Evan Williams Single Barrel greets you with a quintessential bourbon nose. There’s an enticing sweetness reminiscent of buttery Christmas pudding, accompanied by notes of vanilla, oak, cherries, and candied fruits. In the background, subtle hints of condensed milk and caramel lurk.
PALATE: However, the palate delivers a twist. The sweetness and buttery richness the nose hinted at has taken a backseat. Instead, you’ll find a spicy interplay of vanilla and cinnamon mixed with oak and hints of fruit, all with a mild alcohol burn.
The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and not as sweet as the nose may suggest. Evan Williams Single Barrel isn’t overly complex. Still, when water is added, it coaxes out the sweetness, making it more approachable and tempering the alcohol burn.
FINISH: The finish is relatively long, with the journey culminating in notes of spicy pepper and a subtle hint of lemon peel.
RATING: VERY GOOD
The Evan Williams Single Barrel’s nose had me brimming with excitement, promising a rich, creamy experience one would expect from a 9 yo bourbon. Unfortunately, the taste didn’t quite match the grandeur of the nose, leaving me slightly disappointed. It’s a classic case of over-promise and under-deliver.
With the addition of water, some sweetness emerges, and the overall profile becomes gentler. However, I wonder if it might end up in a cocktail. My quest for something new, fresh, exciting, and affordable continues.
As part of my exploration, I conducted a side-by-side comparison between this Single Barrel release and the Elijah Craig 12 yo bourbon, and it’s remarkable how distinct they are despite both hailing from the same company.
Also Read: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon
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