Evan Williams Masters Blend

Aroma - oak is prominent in the glass. Bright red fruits, vanilla, and caramel. Some herbal green tea notes, a hint of rye with black licorice. It's nicely balanced with moderate complexity. Taste - Oak and vanilla with a touch of caramel. Slight creaminess. Overall - compared to the nose, the palate is disappointing. The palate is just too bland, there's no finish, no body to this. It's smooth, even slightly creamy, but what would you expect for 90 proof? It drinks like a $25 bottle of whiskey. If price wasn't a factor, this would be a 2.5-2.75. It's probably a decent entry-level bourbon for someone unfamiliar with bourbon. But in today's market, where $70 can get you an amazing bottle, this is one of the worst $70 bottles available.

So I've been drinking, but I'll keep it brief! The nose is sweet with some caramel and a hint of oak. The palate: oak is present immediately with tons of caramel and butterscotch! Honestly, it's surprisingly good and smooth! I know smooth isn't a descriptor for something complex, but this is such a caramel and butterscotch bomb that it's anything but harsh! Finish: sweet as hell and amazingly butterscotch that stays with you the whole way. If price isn't considered, this is a very rare 92!!!!! I can count on one hand the bourbons that reach the 90s.

Subtle vanilla and cinnamon on the nose with no alcohol burn. Medium thin mouthfeel with a smoky leather/oak taste. Again, subtle and smooth with no burn. The finish is definitely lacking. It probably would have had more flavor if it wasn't so diluted. Nothing offensive and would be an excellent bottle for a newer bourbon drinker. (This explains why it's sold only at the distillery experience).

The nose is subtle and easygoing, with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and slight fruitiness. The palate is somewhat thin, offering classic caramel/toffee notes alongside a light earthy/herbaceous layer. No distinctive characteristics emerge, and the body is notably lighter. Many superior options exist at this price point.

To put it simply, this is likely among the smoothest bourbons my palate has encountered recently! While I don't usually favor the term 'smooth,' this is a bourbon I could enjoy all day. It is both balanced and complex.

Combining the EW 23 yr, single barrel, 1783, bottled-in-bond, and signature black creates one delicious product. Oak is prominent initially, followed by vanilla and caramel. A robust finish. Only found at the Evan Williams gift shop.