Category: Whisky Comparison Page 4 of 10

Whisky Comparison

A combination of side by side whisky / bourbon / whiskey comparison blog posts. A look at all the most popular whiskies and how they rate next to their rivals. From bourbons and Scottish whisky to blends and single malts. A broad collection of comparisons I have tried.

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/31/2022

In Whisky Comparison

Glenfiddich 12 vs glenlivet 12 yo single malt whisky comparison
Welcome back to another exciting instalment in my whisky comparison series. Last time, we delved into the world of Double Oaked bourbons, and this week, we’re diving into the heart of Speyside with two iconic 12 yo single malt whiskies.

It’s a showdown between two heavyweights of the whisky world – Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. So, let’s explore the Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo single malt Scotch whiskies and see how they stack up.

Nestled within the enchanting Speyside region, mere kilometres apart, these two releases are classics. I’ve enjoyed both of these gems over the years, and I can attest to their enduring appeal.

But have you ever wondered how they fare when pitted against each other? Well, today, we’re about to find out.

Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

The Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whiskywith glass

First in the ring is Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt whisky an integral part of the renowned Glenfiddich core range. Known for its distinctive triangular-shaped bottles, Glenfiddich has earned its stripes as one of the world’s best-selling single malt brands.

The 12 year old expression is the youngest member of their permanent lineup. The Glenfiddich journey began in 1886 when William Grant founded the distillery, and remarkably, it remains in the Grant family’s hands.

Glenfiddich 12 undergoes maturation in a blend of Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks. It’s the ideal companion for those embarking on their whisky exploration journey.

Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky

Glenlivet 12 yo single malt whisky with glass

Let’s shift our attention to Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch, a whisky with a special place in my heart. It was the first single malt I had ever tasted, and its smooth, complex flavours left an indelible impression. Although it was briefly discontinued and replaced by the Founder’s Reserve, whisky enthusiasts can sigh relief as it has returned triumphantly to the scene.

The Glenlivet distillery in Moray, Scotland, draws its pure waters from Josie’s Well and nearby springs. Owned by Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, this distillery has a rich history that adds to the allure of Glenlivet 12 year old.

Glenlivet 12 year old, much like its competitor, matures gracefully in a blend of American and traditional oak casks.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR whisky

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo Whisky Comparison

	Glenfiddich 12 yo	Glenlivet 12 yo
Price	$55	$54
Region	Speyside Whisky	Speyside Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Bright amber	Golden wheat
Nose	Fresh fruit, oak & honey. The addition of water releases more florals and faint spice in the nose	Sweet with tropical fruits, vanilla and cereals. There are hints of spice and grassy notes floating in the background
Palate	It is wonderfully rounded with woody notes, toffee and dried fruit coming through. A subtle hint of pear with a nutty creaminess.	Fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg that mix with the oak and barley notes. Apple, honey and summer fruit appear. Rich and delicious
Finish	Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. There is a lovely oily mouth feel at the end	Medium length and end in lots of fresh fruit, nuts and hints of lemon
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Not too complex, but balanced and smooth. Easy drinking	Certainly a perfectly fruity dram
You will like it if you are looking for…	A light fruity dram. Perfect for a first time single malt drinker	A bit more complexity but still light and fruity. Makes for a great gift
Pairs well with	Pear and ginger crumble or Japanese food	Goats cheese flavoured with Italian herbs, salmon sashimi and delicate seafood such as seared scallops or prawns

True to its Glenfiddich heritage, the 12 year old release boasts succulent pears intertwined with tantalizing vanilla spices and a nutty creaminess, creating a delightful palate. The Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky is versatile, perfect for crafting cocktails, sipping leisurely, or simply relishing life’s moments. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

I have a soft spot for Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Holding that bottle in my hands floods me with nostalgic memories. Tropical fruit with cinnamon and honey balances perfectly with hints of lemon and grassy notes. Light and fruity with hints of black pepper.

Both of these whiskies are excellent. They offer consistent quality, making them easily approachable for whisky enthusiasts of all levels. And the best part? You can enjoy either of these drams for under R500.

Both of these whiskies are great choices. You can’t go wrong with either Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12 in your glass. They are two beacons of Speyside excellence, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable whisky experience.

Also Read: Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/22/2022

In Whisky Comparison

I have not done a side-by-side whiskey comparison in months, and it is so much fun. So today, let me look at a rye comparison: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey. Earlier this year, I tasted the Woodford Rye whiskey, and the bottle gave me so much inspiration for side-by-side comparison posts.

I wanted to see how it stacks up against other ryes, such as the Jack Daniel’s and the Bulleit Rye. It will also be interesting to see how it compares to the Woodford Reserve bourbon. Over the past weekend, I have played around with the various ryes in my collection.

So, I’ll first start by capturing my tasting notes for the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey. In a way, it is a clash between two whiskey powerhouses, Diageo vs Brown Forman. Can there only be one champion? Or is there a place for both of these bottles in your collection?

Both rye releases are readily available, so let’s jump into the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison.

Bulleit Rye Whiskey

review and tasting notes Bulleit Rye whiskey with glass
Augustus Bulleit produced the first Bulleit bourbon. He wanted to create a bourbon with a unique flavour profile and experimented with varying recipes until he found a whiskey he was happy with. He started his bourbon, which was available until he died in 1860.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit, dreamt of continuing his ancestor’s distilling tradition, and in 1987, he created a small batch bourbon bearing the family name. Diageo owns the Bulleit brand. The bottles are modelled on old medicine bottles, with distinctive raised lettering. The label on the Bulleit Rye is green.

Bulleit Rye whiskey was introduced in March 2011. It is a whiskey high in rye compared to other rye releases. The mash bill has 95% rye and 5% malted barley and is produced in small batches.

Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey with glass

The Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey was launched in 2015 as the third permanent addition to the core range. The rye whiskey uses a pre-prohibition style rye ratio to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys.

It is a NAS (no age statement) release, and the mash bill is 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt. Woodford Reserve is part of the Brown Forman stable. The Woodford Reserve Rye bottle shape is similar to the Woodford Reserve bourbon, just with green labelling.

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Woodford reserve rye vs Bulleit rye whiskey

	Bulleit Rye Whiskey	Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey
Type	Rye whiskey	Rye whiskey
Mashbill	95% rye and 5% malted barley	53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt
ABV	45%	45.2%
Colour	Light golden caramel	Polished copper
Nose	Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle rye spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves.	Caramel sweetness, fresh green orchid fruit, cereal and toasted wood. The traditional rye spice notes with hints of black pepper. Elegant and soft.
Palate	Caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit and green herbs before the spicy notes. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves. Water brings more orange notes forward.	Rye spices mixed with fresh fruit, green grass and black pepper. Bits of honey and bourbon vanilla with a butterscotch note. Toasted oak, green herbs with bits of orange. Medium body that is soft and oily. Water softens the rye spice notes, and it is delicious without water. Not the boldest rye, but an outstanding balance between the rye spice and sweet fruity notes.
Finish	A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming.	Medium length with oaky notes, pepper and caramel sweetness. Something green in the background.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price point	$40	$43

Side by side, the difference in the mash bill is quite noticeable. The Bulleit is spicier with more pronounced cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. The Bulleit Rye brings a more cherry and vanilla sweetness when compared to the Woodford Reserve Rye.

The Woodford Reserve is softer and more balanced with mixed fruit sweetness. The Woodford spices are milder and less distinctive than the Bulleit.

Both have a caramel-sweet undertone in the background. The finish on the Bulleit is longer and spicier, while the Woodford Reserve has more woody oak and sweetness in the finish. The Bulleit Rye will be better when looking at rye-forward cocktails.

The Woodford Reserve Rye is not the most complex or bold whiskey. However, it is sweeter and more approachable. If I have to choose between these two, I prefer the Woodford Reserve Rye.

The Bulleit Rye doesn’t hide the spiciness; it is bolder and slightly more complex. John loved the Bulleit Rye the most as his palate prefers spicier tastes.

There is a big difference in price between the two bottles. The Bulleit is nearly double the price in ZAR. That tips the scale in the Woodford Reserve direction. A great-tasting rye at an affordable price.

If you are passionate about rye, the Bulleit Rye is worth the extra money. However, the Woodford Reserve is perfect if you want to explore rye whiskey to learn new tastes.

In this Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison, we’ve delved into the histories of these two powerhouse distillers and the distinctive characteristics of their rye whiskeys. While both are excellent choices, your preference may ultimately be your palate and budget.

If you’re looking for more spice and complexity, the Bulleit Rye could be your top pick. On the other hand, if you seek a sweeter and more approachable rye at an affordable price, the Woodford Reserve Rye is a solid choice. It’s a clash of the titans in the world of rye whiskey, and both contenders have their strengths.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/13/2022

In Whisky Comparison

In the world of whisky, few comparisons are as intriguing as the showdown between Ballantine’s Finest and Teacher’s whisky—an affordable blended whisky battleground for these two brands. Today, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s whisky, exploring what makes these blends unique and irresistible to whisky enthusiasts.

In the world of whisky, few comparisons are as intriguing as the showdown between Ballantine’s Finest and Teacher’s whisky—an affordable blended whisky battleground for these two brands. Today, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s, exploring what makes these blends unique and irresistible to whisky enthusiasts.

India has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most enthusiastic whisky-drinking nations. While homegrown Indian distilleries like Amrut and Paul John have made a mark, the Indian market also embraces distinguished Scottish whiskies with open arms.

Names like Chivas Regal, Glenlivet, Ballantine’s, Teacher’s, Jack Daniel’s, and Johnnie Walker grace the shelves of liquor stores across the country. Moreover, many local brands, such as Signature whisky, Royal Stag, Antiquity Blue, and Royal Challenge, are exclusively available in India. It’s essential to note that these regional favourites are a rarity outside of India.

In this head-to-head comparison, I’ve chosen my favourite, Ballantine’s Finest, and pitted it against Teacher’s whisky, renowned for its affordability and popularity in India.

Ballantine’s Finest Blended Whisky

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teachers Highland Cream whisky Comparison
Let’s begin with Ballantine’s Finest, a Scotch whisky with a legacy dating back to 1827. George Ballantine embarked on a journey of providing a meticulously curated range of blended Scotch whiskies to discerning customers from his grocery store in Edinburgh. The brand flourished, and in 1895, Queen Victoria bestowed upon George Ballantine & Son a Royal Warrant.

Today, Pernod Ricard owns and continues the tradition of Ballantine’s. The heart of Ballantine’s Finest is a blend of up to 50 malts, including names like Miltonduff and Glenburgie, alongside four single grains.

Also Read: Dewar’s White Label vs Famous Grouse Blended Whisky

Teacher’s Blended Whisky

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teachers Highland Cream whisky Comparison
Turning our gaze to Teacher’s whisky, we find one of India’s more budget-friendly Scottish blends. It’s not uncommon to see friends in places like Bangalore stocking up on cases of Teacher’s. Founded around 1830 by William Teacher, this brand began its journey by selling blends from his wife’s Glasgow grocery store.

It wasn’t until 1863 that Teacher perfected the Highland Cream blend, officially registering the brand in 1884. Over time, the portfolio expanded to include the Ardmore distillery; at one point, they even held ownership of GlenDronach. Today, Teacher’s is a proud member of the Beam Suntory family.

The heart of Teacher’s whisky still derives from the Ardmore distillery, characterized by peat-smoked malt. Jim Murray, renowned in the whisky world, bestowed a remarkable rating of 90 on Teacher’s whisky in his Whisky Bible.

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s Highland Whisky Comparison

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teachers Highland Cream whisky Comparison

	Ballantine's Finest whisky	Teacher's Highland Cream whisky
Type	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Light gold	Dark gold
Nose	Fruitcake, glazed cherries, wood and spice.	Smoke, gentle earthy peat, raw alcohol, vanilla, malty notes. Quite subtle.
Palate	Smooth with a full body. Flavours of Christmas cake, dried fruit and muscovado sugar. In the background are hints of peat and smoke. Complex and delicious.	Notes of smoke, peat and pepper but it has a raw alcohol edge. Fruity sweetness only comes out after you add a bit of water. Water tones down the raw alcohol notes but make the smoke and peat disappear.
Finish	The finish is brilliant. Long and lingering, It ends in notes of spice, ginger and fudge.	Long and spicy with hints of pepper.
My Rating	Divine	Good
Price	$27	$25

I titled this feature ‘The Battle of the Budget Blends’ on my social media this weekend, reflecting the fun and excitement of our tasting experience. To ensure an unbiased evaluation, we conducted a blind taste test. Even without labels, Ballantine’s Finest stands out with ease.

After allowing both drams to breathe for about 10 minutes, I noticed the initial alcohol notes that had greeted me with Teacher’s had evaporated. What remained was a delightful sweetness that emerged over time, almost verging on cloying with the addition of water.

The Teacher’s Highland Cream whisky had notes of earthy peat, malt and vanilla mixed with fruity sweetness and pepper.

In contrast, Ballantine’s Finest maintained its character as a delicious, smooth, and easy-drinking whisky throughout. There is bold notes of Christmas cake, dried fruit, and cherries mingling with oak, ginger and fudge. Full bodied and delicious.

These two blended drams boast similar prices, making the competition even more intriguing. As I reflect on the feedback from my social media posts, it’s evident that Teacher’s whisky has a dedicated fan base, with around 50% of the commentators declaring it their favourite.

Looking at the price of these two bottles, the Ballantine’s retail for around £21 on Amazon. There are regular specials and limited edition packaging available that make the Ballantine’s a colourful addition to your drinks trolley. In comparison, the Teacher’s whisky retail for around £32 on Amazon.

Teacher’s whisky might find its niche in cocktails where you want a hint of smokiness. However, John and I agree: Ballantine’s Finest takes the crown in this battle. Its easy-drinking nature, creamy texture, and overall deliciousness make it a top choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking an exceptional experience.

When it comes to Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s whisky, there’s no denying the enduring charm and excellence that Ballantine’s Finest brings to the table.

Also Read: Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/15/2021

In Whisky Comparison

Buffalo Trace bourbon vs Bulleit Bourbon side by side comparison
This is my last side-by-side comparison for 2021, and today I am looking at a comparison between the Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon. I have enjoyed doing these comparisons. I learned so much, and it highlighted the variety in taste within the bourbon category.

It showed me how something that is made in essentially the same way could have such different notes by changing the mash bill and the toast level of the casks.

After the available selection of bourbon dropped off during 2017 / 2018 in South Africa, the category has grown these past two years, and the variety available is growing again.

As much as I like a good peaty Islay Scotch or a Speyside sherry bomb, I have a soft spot for the sweeter bourbons. The combination of toasted oak, vanilla and red cherries fits my palate just right. It works well in cocktails and is relatable and accessible to a broad audience.

So for my last comparison this year, I look at the Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon. Both my bottles are nearly done, which is proof of how often we reach for these bourbons. Both brands have a distinct history of producing their whiskey varieties and the ingredients used in their creation.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey with glass b

A 150-year-old family recipe created by founder Tom Bulleit’s great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit inspired the creation of Bulleit Bourbon whiskey. The original recipe was for a rye whiskey made with 2/3 rye and 1/3 corn. It was produced between 1830 and 1860 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Tom always dreamt of recreating his ancestor’s recipe. In 1987, he opened the open Bulleit Distilling Company and created a small batch bourbon bearing the family name.

The mash bill has been adjusted to make sure it is a true bourbon. The mashbill is 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley and it is aged for at least 6 years.

The bottle shape is modelled on old medicine bottles, with raised lettering and a skew label, as it might have looked in the 1860s.

Diageo now owns the Bulleit brand, and it is produced at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. This bourbon is readily available in SA and retails for around R 400. In the USA it retails for around $42.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon with glass b

Records show that some form of distilling took place on the site in Frankfort Kentucky in 1775 already. Harrison Blanton constructed the first official distillery in 1812.

It has historically been known by several names, including most notably, the George T. Stagg Distillery. It is currently owned by the Sazerac distilling company.

The distillery introduced the Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey brand in August 1999. The whiskey was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the pioneers’ rugged, independent spirit.

Readily available in SA and retails at around R 330 and $50 in the USA. It is perfect for cocktails and pairs well with chocolate.

Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon

Side by side: Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon Comparison

	Buffalo Trace	Bulleit Bourbon
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
Mashbill	Not disclosed	68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley
ABV	45%	45%
Colour	A reddish copper	Light amber
Nose	Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background.	Quite spicy. In the background, there is some sweetness reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding, nutmeg and vanilla. After standing for a while, some caramel comes through.
Palate	There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice.	Loads of warming freshly ground spices. It's a rich, chewy mouthful. Toffee caramel and vanilla with a bit of wood and orange. Freshly baked sugar biscuits. With water, this bourbon becomes smoother and a bit sweeter.
Finish	Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat.	Lovely. Very long and lingering. The finish is big and bold and has notes of mild spice and hints of oak.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Without water it is bold and delicious. Drink it neat!	Unusual and unique.
Price point	$35	$33

Why did I leave such a difficult comparison for last? These two bourbons could not be more different. We spent most of Saturday afternoon savouring a few glasses of these. As usual, we did a blind tasting for our Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon side by side comparison.

Most of the time, we can accurately guess which bourbon is which, but this time it stumped us. Perhaps it was just a long week, and our taste buds were tired, but we had to try a few times before we could make up our minds.

The Buffalo Trace is fruity with mild spice and a nice drinkable mouthfeel. It has a medium body and lovely toasted oak notes. Just don’t add water. It is perfectly drinkable without water.

The Bulleit is bolder and spicier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and freshly milled black pepper. Faint hints of orange and vanilla. The toasted oak notes are more subdued, but the Bulleit bourbon is bolder and richer than the Buffalo Trace.

John loved the Bulleit release the most, but after the second glass, I found the spices overwhelming. I preferred the Buffalo Trace and the more traditional bourbon notes for my sweeter palate.

Now both my bottles are finished, and I need to stock up again. Fortunately, that is not a problem as they are both readily available and not too expensive.

I have done a similar comparison between Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Rye vs Old No 7 Whiskey

Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/11/2021

In Whisky Comparison

In this engaging three-part comparison series, I embark on a journey to dissect two iconic American whiskey giants: Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

My exploration commenced with a clash between Jim Beam and Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, a showdown that divided our preferences. John leaned towards the robust charms of Jim Beam, while I preferred the smoothness of Jack Daniel’s.

Ultimately, the mellow notes of Jack Daniel’s, characterized by its blend of easy-drinking qualities, sweet vanilla, and toasted oak, clinched victory.

Next, on our tasting odyssey, we ventured into a captivating battle between Evan Williams and Jim Beam bourbon. Choosing a favourite between these two proved to be a more intricate challenge. However, the Jim Beam surged ahead. Its slightly heightened complexity and overall drinkability took centre stage, casting a formidable shadow over Evan Williams.

And now, my voyage through the world of American whiskey brings us to the eagerly anticipated Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s showdown. These releases share a similar price range and boast global recognition.

Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey with glass b

Evan Williams, a distinguished straight bourbon from the Heaven Hill range, traces its origins back to 1783 when Evan Williams commenced bourbon distillation in Kentucky.

Heaven Hill introduced this specific bourbon release to the American market in 1957, and it continues to be distilled at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. With an age spanning 5-7 years, Evan Williams’ mash bill comprises 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, retailing for R250 in South Africa.

Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Whiskey

Jack Daniel's Old No 7 with glass b

On the other side of the ring stands Jack Daniel’s, a legendary Tennessee whiskey that began its journey around 1875 thanks to the vision of Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel. His innovative Lincoln County process, which involves filtration through sugar maple charcoal before maturation, distinguishes this whiskey as a Tennessee classic.

While the distillery remained in Jack’s family until 1956, it subsequently found a new home with Brown-Forman. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey features a mash bill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% barley, and after charcoal filtration, the new spirit ages for a minimum of 4 years in new charred American oak barrels.

Evan Williams Bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel's Whiskey Comparison

	Evan Williams Bourbon	Jack Daniel's Old no 7
Type	Bourbon Whiskey	Tennessee Whiskey
Mash Bill	78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye	80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Dark reddish gold	Light amber
Nose	While it has the traditional bourbon notes of toasty oak and vanilla on the nose, there is an element of corn syrup floating around. The nose is very one-dimensional and not layered or complex.	Quite sweet with honey, vanilla and toasted oak with a hint of smoke. Dried red fruit and marzipan.
Palate	It offers little complexity. Toasty oak, vanilla and bits of spice. All kinds of rough edges and alcohol notes. It has a light body and mouthfeel. Adding water does little to increase the complexity. It unlocks notes of chilli and bitter orange peel.	Oak and butterscotch sweetness. A hint of sour cherries and cereal. Bits of fruit and loads of vanilla. It is quite an oily whiskey and has a medium body.
Finish	A bit rough and fortunately does not linger too long.	Medium length with some toasty oak, butterscotch and spice.
My Rating	Good	Very Good
Price	$12	$27

To maintain objectivity, we conducted a blind tasting, ensuring our personal biases would not influence the evaluation. Evan Williams bourbon whiskey has notes of toasted oak, vanilla, orange peel, and corn syrup, accompanied by a discernible alcohol burn. It showcases a straightforward profile but lacks complexity.

On the other side, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey offers oak, cherries, and cereal with hints of vanilla. It proves to be a smoother, more easily sippable option, though not exceptionally complex.

Placed side by side, Jack Daniels emerges as the clear standout, boasting a richer sweetness and greater depth on the palate, with cherry and vanilla notes accentuated in comparison to Evan Williams.

Evan Williams embodies the quintessential bourbon character, but I found it one-dimensional with unwelcome raw alcohol notes. Unlike Jack Daniel’s, its sweetness leans towards a corn syrup artificiality. The finish on Evan Williams is notably short and laden with spice.

In contrast, Jack Daniel’s offers an oily, longer finish. In our final verdict, Jack Daniel’s emerges as the more memorable and favoured choice between these two distinguished releases, a testament to its enduring legacy in American whiskey.

Also Read: Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Bourbon