Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2013

Right away, it struck me as unique and quite pleasant. It presented as bourbon but with a slight variation. The oak aroma carried earthy, smoky, and fruity notes. The initial sip reflected these same qualities. It was a deeply fulfilling, calming tasting experience. Ahhhh..... I settled further into my chair, savoring the moment. The initial portion of the bottle was superior. The remaining spirit was less enjoyable than when first opened. Still decent, though! Merely not as captivating as before. I ought to have consumed it faster. For what it's worth, this was barrel number 908, filled on 9/27/13 and uncorked on 7/16/21.

The aroma features molasses and a subtle hint of alcohol. The palate is sweet, with notes of apple and some spices. There's a mild burn upon swallowing, but it's manageable, leading to a short finish. Overall, it's a good bourbon for its cost, offering a profile somewhat similar to the EW 1783, if memory serves. Later tasting notes: After finishing my last bottle of EW SB, I followed up with some Blanton's and found this to be comparable in quality!

Distilled on 9.27.13 Barrel ID 866 Bottled on 7.16.21 An overwhelming nutty flavor, not subtle notes but a strong nutty taste. I genuinely thought I had mistakenly purchased peanut butter whiskey. Considering it was a single barrel priced under $30, it seemed like a great deal, but perhaps my specific barrel was flawed, based on what others have said. I would be keen to try this bottling from a different barrel with someone.

Aroma: Abundant dried fruits, primarily apples and pears, alongside peppery spice, vanilla, and a hint of cream. Palate: Less intense than the aroma, likely due to the proof, but still offers nuances of vanilla and cream-covered fruit. Finish: As anticipated, it's not long-lasting, but the spice and vanilla do linger.

Aroma: Oak, corn, possibly peanut butter, nutty notes, mild spice, and toffee. Taste: Initial burn followed by mildness in the middle, with spice at the end. Cinnamon, white oak (but not smoky), light corn, mild tobacco (not overly roasted). Not as sweet as anticipated, with nutty cashew notes and vanilla. Mouthfeel is mild and doesn't linger. Ethanol is present.

Nose: Sweet caramel and vanilla are balanced by graham cracker and seasoned oak, with a whisper of toasted marshmallow. Palate: Oak aged for a while, with caramel, cinnamon, and a subtle peppery note. Finish: A spicy start gives way to sweeter notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of tobacco.