Evan Williams 12 Year Bourbon

I'd heard of this but never had the chance to taste it. As a fan of this distillery, I was pleased to receive a sample. This particular bottle was the Japanese export, though it's also available at the distillery. The aroma is sweet, with notes of vanilla frosting, toasted pecans, sweet corn, caramelized red apples, and caramel. There's also a hint of dusty grain, baking spices, and baked bread. The taste is sweet and quite oily, with notes of bitter oak, nuttiness, sweet corn, dried fruit, and some spices. The finish is long, starting with a burst of baking spices, then corn and dried fruit, eventually leading to some bitter oak. Afterward, a pleasant barrel char lingers on the cheeks and tongue. This is easily my favorite among all the expressions from this brand. I must now acquire a bottle!

Nose - Sweetened cooked sugar, timber, legumes, sweet spice Palate - Sweetened cooked sugar, sweet spice, timber, whisper of cinnamon Aftertaste - Sweetened cooked sugar, sweet spice, timber, mild cinnamon warmth/zing Rating - 75/100 Overall - Yep, that's bourbon alright. This expression is quite standard, unobjectionable bourbon. Familiar characteristics, nothing unique, nothing overly thrilling. Nothing truly incorrect about it aside from being somewhat dull & what one might anticipate a bourbon to taste like. Sip it straight, enjoy it with ice, mix it with cola, all options would be acceptable. Would I consume it if offered? - Affirmative Would I specifically request it? - Negative Would I purchase a bottle? - Affirmative, if it remained $22 IMPORTANT - All evaluations are completed prior to considering cost.

A solid pour. The only lacking item is a cork; I'll use one I've saved. Twist-off caps aren't my favorite. I can't find fault with this classic 12-year, 101 proof. The aroma is inviting. The palate has a tremendous mouthfeel. The finish is full and lingers pleasantly. It drinks a little warmer than its stated 101 proof, but not in an unpleasant way.

Aroma: The typical dusty candied corn scent associated with Heaven Hill. Taste: Abundant cinnamon and peppercorn. Finish: Medium. At $130 from the Louisville Evan Williams Experience tour gift shop, this offers no improvement over many Knob Creek store picks or their 12-year, which are considerably cheaper and more accessible. I wouldn't actively search for this unless you're a devoted HH/Evan Williams enthusiast. In my opinion, the EW Single Barrel provides a much better value.

Bourbon is so subjective! For me, this is my current top favorite. I'd happily pay $150 repeatedly! The strong cinnamon and sugar cookie notes are spot on! Like snickerdoodle cookies in a bottle! Honestly, does it get much better?

Nose: Intense dark cherries accompanied by significant oak, cinnamon, and other spices. Palate: Dark cherries with a peppery spice that transitions to pronounced oak. Finish: A medium finish featuring spices and oak, concluding with a gentle sweetness of vanilla and caramel.