In this third instalment of my American whiskey comparison series, I take a closer look at Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s, two of the most recognisable and affordable names in American whiskey. Both bottles enjoy worldwide popularity, both are readily available, and both offer plenty of flavour for the money. But when tasted side by side, which one deserves a place on your shelf?
My journey into American whiskey comparisons began with a battle between Jim Beam and Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. That tasting split opinions. John preferred the bolder character of Jim Beam, while I found myself drawn to the smooth, easy-drinking nature of Jack Daniel’s. Its sweet vanilla notes, toasted oak, and approachable profile ultimately secured the win.
The second comparison pitted Evan Williams against Jim Beam. This proved a much tighter contest, with Jim Beam edging ahead thanks to its slightly greater complexity and overall balance.
Now it is time for the showdown I have been looking forward to: Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey.
Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey
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 in the affordable category.
Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Whiskey
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 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 |
To keep things fair, we tasted both whiskeys blind.
The Evan Williams opens with notes of toasted oak, vanilla, orange peel, caramelised sugar, and corn sweetness. While pleasant, there is noticeable alcohol heat that slightly detracts from the experience. The palate lacks depth and development.
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 presents aromas of oak, cherry, cereal grains, vanilla, and light caramel. On the palate, it feels noticeably smoother, with a sweeter and more rounded character that makes it exceptionally easy to sip.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When sampled side by side, the differences become more apparent.
Evan Williams delivers the classic bourbon profile many drinkers expect: sweet corn, vanilla, oak, and spice. However, it can feel somewhat one-dimensional. The sweetness occasionally comes across as artificial, and the finish is relatively short with lingering spice and alcohol heat.
Jack Daniel’s offers greater balance and refinement. The charcoal mellowing process helps soften the spirit, while the cherry and vanilla notes add extra character. The mouthfeel is richer, the finish is longer, and the overall experience feels more polished.
Neither whiskey is particularly complex, but Jack Daniel’s provides more depth and drinkability.
Final Verdict
In this battle of Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s, the clear winner is Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. While Evan Williams remains an excellent value bourbon and a solid introduction to Kentucky whiskey, Jack Daniel’s delivers a smoother, sweeter, and more memorable drinking experience. Its longer finish, richer flavour profile, and effortless drinkability make it the bottle I would reach for first.
If you enjoy affordable American whiskey and have not compared these two side by side, I highly recommend giving it a try. You may be surprised at how different they are despite their similar price points.
For more Jack Daniel’s comparisons, be sure to check out my review of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 versus Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.
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Also Read: Jameson vs Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
Drives me nuts when someone says they detect marjoram, vanilla and hints of cherry. What BS! It tastes like corn sour mash, with enough alcohol burn to make it worth drinking. Like any American, serve on ice, or toss in a tall glass with your favorite beer added! Nothing better than a boilermaker after a hard day!