Evan Williams Fire

This wasn't planned for today, but after a long search for a secret, low-proof version of Fireball Whisky, I decided it wasn't worth documenting and instead moved on to another cinnamon whiskey. I'm not usually a fan of artificial cinnamon in drinks, though I do use plenty in my own toddies. Many American distilleries produce similar-tasting options in this category. Evan Williams and Jim Beam, in particular, offer very comparable products across their ranges. Let's see what Evan Williams has to offer in the cinnamon department. It appears pale golden straw in the glass, much lighter than even their standard bourbon, which is also thin. The aroma is dominated by Red Hots candy, with a lot of honey and a malty note reminiscent of grapes. It's unclear if the cinnamon or the moderate proof for a flavored spirit is causing a slight burn on the nose, but it's not severe enough to be a major issue. The first taste is like thick, sweet syrup, similar to consuming melted hard candy. The Red Hots flavor is accurate, delivering cinnamon and intense sweetness. The mouthfeel is surprisingly heavy and coats the palate, which is unusual for something not a cordial or very low proof. The finish is a bit dry, leaving a sticky sensation on the lips that leaves you wanting more, though not of this. I recall trying Fireball as a very young teen, and while I don't know the specific version or proof, I suspect it was more enjoyable than this. The real letdown is how sweet and syrupy this 70-proof whiskey is, coming from a major American distillery known for bourbon. Ultimately, it's hard to drink due to its flavor and thick texture, making it not worth buying when there are several other readily available cinnamon spirits to choose from.

Very smooth. A nice hit of cinnamon that goes down easily. A pleasant lingering taste.

This is the finest cinnamon whiskey I've encountered.

This is not as good as Fireball.

This is not bourbon.