Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch American Hero Edition (2023)

A departure from the typical American Hero release from Evan Williams; I did a double take initially, mistaking it for the Black Label. The "2023 annual release" designation suggests I've overlooked prior years of the 1783, though this is the first time I recall seeing it, and I always look for it as it's one of the few distillery offerings honoring military personnel. It's also convenient that it's in a standard 750ml bottle, as I'm quite sure the American Hero Black Label is only available in 1.75L bottles, although that larger size feels fitting for honoring the military based on my experience. It's been a while since I last tried 1783, so I'm eager to revisit it and hope these service members selected quality barrels. It has a pale color, appearing straw-like at the edges with a hint of chestnut in the center; still darker than Black Label, though. It's worth noting that I activated my recently repurposed ceiling fan (now blowing downwards), which has been perfuming the room with a delightful rickhouse-like scent; I'll definitely be doing this again. Regarding the scent, there's a faint ethanol presence initially, but the fumes intensify with subsequent sniffs. A combination of cinnamon candy and grass mingles with raw oak and a subtle vegetal note. A floral aroma emerges as I move the glass away, but I can't quite identify it, as the ethanol dissipates it each time I attempt to. The flavor begins so delicately and mildly that I would immediately assume it's a Speyside scotch. However, classic cinnamon and grassy notes from fresh rye quickly invigorate the palate and stimulate the gums. The body remains light, with raw oak emerging behind the rye, but the sweetness is absent, replaced by a bitter charcoal essence. The finish offers more rye spice, perceived more in the gums than on the tongue, and is easily drinkable without a burn despite the slightly elevated proof. A few minutes later, a faint taste of roasted peanuts surfaces, a characteristic I typically associate with heavier charcoal filtering. While I won't test it now, I suspect this is one of the few spirits that would be improved with ice. I recall 1783 being quite underwhelming, only marginally better than Black Label or White Label, and not as complex as the single barrel. However, considering the limited availability of this and the Black Label American Hero version each year, and their similar price points, it remains an excellent, patriotic tribute to two of the most esteemed groups in this nation: our military and bourbon producers. A salute to my fellow service members. I hope other distilleries adopt this tradition.

This one was quite pleasing.