I have the new Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 Vintage
November 20th, 2008It 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.)
November 25th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
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.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
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.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
nose-vanilla and flowery
taste caramel
bite is light
not as creamy as previous years
overall, good
December 24th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
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
December 24th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
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.