Thu 20 Nov 2008
I have the new Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 Vintage
Posted by John Hansell under Bourbon, New Releases
It arrived today. I checked the back label for the bottling date. It was bottled last Friday. Now that’s fast! I’m going to let it settle down for a few days before conducting a formal review of it (and I’ll post it up here on the blog).
But I couldn’t resist popping the cork of and having a taste as I’m posting this. My initial, informal thoughts on it? An elegant expression of EWSB. And very drinkable! I like it. (This is from Barrel #1. Keep in mind this is a single barrel bottling and yours might–probably will–taste a little different than mine.)
John- I just bought an Evan Williams single barrel 1998. The tag on the bottle talks about all of the “whisky of the year” awards. I did not find it rated in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2008. Now you are talking about the 1999. Did you rate the 1998? I’m not a bourbon drinker normally so I’m not sure how good this is. To me it has a very fine aroma and is smooth but I’m not sure how it rates with the other Evan Williams single barrels. I notice that Jim Murray gives a 95 to a 1995 version but an 87 to a 1997 version. What is the word on the 1998? Mine was barreled on 11-9-98 and bottled on 7-5-08, barrel #626.
Ron, it’s reviewed in my buyer’s guide, available on our website:
http://maltadvocate.com/buyers-bo-EvanWilliams.asp
As I recall, it was rich and sweet. Each cask varies, so yours might taste a little different.
nose-vanilla and flowery
taste caramel
bite is light
not as creamy as previous years
overall, good
First of all, happy holiday and good luck recovering from your cold. I was wondering, what happened to your review on this bourbon - hope to see it soon
DavidG: Sorry about that. A double whammy of Bronchitis and what I think was the flu wiped me out for half of December. I’m finally getting my taste buds back. Review of this whiskey (and many others) to follow soon.
My local discount liquor store started carrying the 1998 in the .750 liter size for $26. At this store, the same size bottle of Maker’s, which is my usual go-to, sells for $32. I picked up the EW Single Barrel to try something new and save a few bucks and I couldn’t be more impressed. This is easily the best bourbon I’ve had for this price, and better, to my taste, than some more expensive brands. An incredible value.
Doug, it’s a great whiskey for the price. And I like how each vintage varies a little.