Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Evan Williams Black Label is Heaven Hill's flagship bourbon, launched in 1957 as the company's tribute to Evan Williams, the Welsh immigrant traditionally credited with opening Kentucky's first commercial distillery along the Ohio River in 1783. Today it stands as the second best-selling Kentucky straight bourbon in the world, distilled at Heaven Hill's Bernheim facility in Louisville just blocks from where the original distillery is said to have stood, and bottled by the company in Bardstown.

The whiskey is built on Heaven Hill's traditional bourbon mashbill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and though the label no longer carries a specific age statement, it is described as "extra aged," with most estimates putting the blend in the five to seven year range. It's bottled at 86 proof, a strength Heaven Hill has kept steady even as many competitors have trimmed theirs down.

The nose is light, with deep vanilla and a cooling touch of mint. The palate brings oak, brown sugar, and caramel, giving the whiskey a smooth, easy character. The finish runs medium to long, closing gently on lingering sweetness.