Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2012

I get this bourbon for $25.99 locally. For that price, I think it's quite good. I recently purchased another bottle. Barrel #541, distilled 2/9/12, bottled 3/5/20. It's not as smooth as my previous purchase. This one has a bit of heat, and I detect a strong peanut character. I likely wouldn't buy it if it were over $30. I found Buffalo Trace for $19.99, and personally, I believe it's just as good, maybe even superior. I really enjoy this website. I wish more people would offer suggestions when leaving reviews. For example, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, or even Wild Turkey 101. Cheers!

Evan Williams once again demonstrates incredible value and is simply a great bourbon all around. The professional assessment is accurate. It's strong with sweet vanilla and has a dry finish of leather and cherry. While not as complex as a Four Roses Single Barrel, it's just as enjoyable. Plus, it's much easier to find. I don't think the vintage matters next time; if I see the Evan Williams name, I'll have confidence in it.

Appears a light honey color with an oak char aroma. It's very bold with oak on the nose. The palate has a medium mouthfeel and complex notes of lavender and vanilla. Adding a cube keeps the mouthfeel consistent, and as expected, the complexity expands. It remains very floral, leading to a bubblegum and cinnamon finish that is pleasing and long, even for a lower proof. This is an easy choice for daily enjoyment and sharing with friends, especially considering the price.

For less than $30, this is a fantastic single barrel offering (and an 8-year-old bourbon at that). It's an easy drink at under 90 proof, and I'll have it occasionally. I would confidently offer this to guests who may not be avid bourbon drinkers, knowing I'm serving them something good. This is very good – a step above.

*Sound of disappointment* This was actually the first Evan Williams variety I didn't really care for. The nose had green apple and a fair amount of oak. The palate was initially pleasant but then became unpleasantly tannic and oaky. The finish was my favorite part – strong vanilla notes with a lingering candy corn flavor. It's not terrible, but in my opinion, it's not a quality single barrel pick.

A mild bourbon. The nose offers some sweetness, with faint hints of vanilla and caramel, alongside significant sweet corn. Corn, oak, and leather are detected on the palate. The finish is quick and mild, with oak and burnt sugar, and a touch of char. It's likely in my top 10.