Evan Williams 12 Year Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Evan Williams 12 Year 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Proof: 101
ABV: 50.5%
Mash Bill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
Age: 12 years
Size: 750ml
MSRP: $30-$40 USD (in Japan), $130 USD (direct from distillery)

Additional Details

Distiller Notes:

Evan Williams set up his distillery on the banks of Ohio River in 1783 and is historically recognized as Kentucky’s First Distiller of Bourbon. This special Bourbon is a genuine Sour Mash that honors his pioneering heritage.

Distilled from a time-honored formula originated in 1783, Evan Williams is produced in the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon country. This bourbon is aged 12 years for a smoother, more complex flavor, world-renowned by Bourbon lovers.

— Description on the bottle.

Introduction

Today, we’re delving into Evan Williams 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (aka Evan Williams “Red Label”), an expression that, while once exclusive to Japanese shores, has since expanded its horizons beyond Japan. And by that, I mean at some stage (the specifics elude me), The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience tour/shop decided to start selling this expression directly, although at a rather eyebrow-raising premium of $130 USD.

Compare that to its price tag in Japan, which generally hovers around a much more palatable $30-$40 USD, and one might justifiably raise an eyebrow or two.

But before we delve into matters of cost and value, let’s first address the question at the heart of every whiskey review: “is it actually any good?” Following that, we can tackle the all-important inquiry, “is it worth the money?” Stay with me as we embark on this tasting and find out.

Appearance

Bottle Design

This whiskey comes in a simple, understated square bottle design, similar to a Jack Daniel’s bottle. The label is quite straightforward, without any fanciful flourishes, carrying only the necessary details on the front, supplemented by a short anecdote about the brand on the sides.

In a somewhat surprising departure from the norm for premium bourbons, the top of the bottle is sealed with a twist cap rather than a cork, but this is counterbalanced by the visually pleasing touch of a copper or golden-hued wax covering, which is actually a more recent design change. The first iterations of Evan Williams 12 Year did not have any wax. In any case, it’s an unassuming package that quietly hints at the traditional, unpretentious spirit within.

Whiskey Color

The whiskey itself pours a deep, luxurious shade of amber, its hue reminiscent of caramel candies freshly unwrapped. This deep coloration immediately suggests a bourbon that’s spent a generous amount of time maturing in its barrel, soaking up the rich, woody tannins and hues from the charred oak. A swirl of the glass reveals a spirit with notable body and viscosity, promising a texture that will hold its own on the palate.

Nose

Raising the glass to the nose, the initial impression is that of a pantry filled with a medley of mixed nuts and dried fruits. The complexity doesn’t end there, with the roasty scent of burnt sugar weaving its way through the nutty, fruity aromas, adding a distinctive depth that intrigues the senses.

This is then followed by the familiar trio that characterizes the classic bourbon profile: vanilla, caramel, and honey. These scents lend a comforting and homely aroma to the spirit, invoking memories of freshly baked goods and warm, inviting kitchens.

To top it off, the faintest whiff of dark chocolate peeks through, adding a rich and luxurious edge to the overall olfactory experience. The Evan Williams 12 year certainly makes a compelling case for itself through its nose, suggesting a complexity that’s worth exploring further in the tasting.

Palate

On the palate, Evan Williams 12 year bursts forth with a warm invitation of spices – notably cinnamon and clove. This spicy introduction is quickly followed by more robust flavors of oak and wood, imparting a natural, earthy touch. Interestingly, a whisper of coffee emerges from this woody profile, bringing with it a hint of bitterness that offsets the initial spiciness.

The bourbon then transitions into a comforting sweetness with notes of caramel and toasted marshmallows, adding an element of dessert-like decadence to the experience. This balanced blend of spices, woodiness, and sweetness paints a fascinating representation of flavors on the palate.

Despite its relatively modest proof, Evan Williams 12 year seems to pack a slight punch above its weight class. However, it isn’t so overpowering that it becomes overwhelming or overly intense. Instead, the whiskey maintains a well-rounded flavor profile that intrigues without overwhelming, making it a truly satisfying sip.

Finish

Evan Williams 12 Year leaves you with a medium-length finish, resonating with a harmonious chorus of flavors. Much like its appearance on the palate, cinnamon makes a return again, this time bringing to mind the familiar taste of Big Red gum.

The finish is graced by the entrance of sweet caramel apple and a hint of tart citrus, adding a delightful freshness that dances with the warmth of the cinnamon.

Lastly, there is a subtle undertone of rye spice, and baking spices that weave in and out of the finish. These spices add depth to the finish, infusing it with a slight zing that teases your taste buds just enough to leave them yearning for the next sip. Overall, it’s a warm and inviting finish that encapsulates the essence of this bourbon.

Conclusion

Evan Williams 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey wraps up classic bourbon flavors in a neat package complete with a respectable age statement. For those fortunate enough to be in Japan, this is an absolute steal at $30-$40 USD. It’s tough to find a 12-year-old bourbon on the market that competes at this price point.

To provide some context, I might draw a comparison with Wild Turkey 8 Year and Wild Turkey 12 Year. These are equally accessible here, with both boasting a 101 proof. They differ in terms of age and price, but not drastically. Wild Turkey 8, while less aged, is a robust pour and can be had for around $10-$15 USD less. On the other hand, Wild Turkey 12 matches the Evan Williams in age and proof, offering a fantastic experience, albeit at about $20 more.

Such comparison, in fact, might just lead me to recommend buying all three. They’re all great value. If you’re in Japan, particularly with the intention of bourbon hunting, adding these to your haul would be a no-brainer. The decision almost makes itself.

Yet, I realize not everyone will have the opportunity to travel abroad. For those folks, there’s still some hope to snag a bottle back in the U.S. – specifically, directly from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience tour/shop for $130 USD (last I checked).

For those out of state, a road trip or even a plane ride to the distillery may cost less than a trip to Japan. What’s more, you could sample EW12 at the shop’s bar before committing to a purchase or if the bottles run out.

At $130, it is a considerable investment. While I find this bourbon to be an excellent one, I personally would hesitate to purchase it at a markup so much higher than the MSRP in Japan. For comparison, in Japan, bourbons I’ve found around the $130 USD mark have included Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel, Blanton’s Takara Gold, and even Wild Turkey Master’s Keep expressions (One, Botted in Bond, Cornerstone). If I were to spend upwards of 100+ on a bottle, I would likely opt for one of those. It’s crucial to note that this perspective comes from my personal experience living in Japan, where the selection of bottles is more limited, and pricing is not shooting through the roofs.

For those residing in the U.S, your choices with $130 in hand are much more diverse. Your decision would understandably vary depending on the range of options you have access to. All in all, Evan Williams 12 Year is a superb bourbon – one to consider if you have the opportunity to do so.

Additional Images

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