Everyone has seen the increase in the price of bourbon recently too, along with more and more bottles becoming highly allocated. It is nice to have a bourbon that tastes good, isn’t $100, and you don’t have to sign up for a lottery to get a bottle. Sure, people love to go after the BTACs and Pappy’s, but for a lot of people, those are impossible to get. Where I live in DC, stores sell those for $1,000+ if they have them. In Virginia, they don’t have them.

That is why I am reviewing Evan Williams Single Barrel. I know what you’re thinking…Evan Williams? Isn’t that some cheap stuff I drank in college? Sure, Evan Williams might have a reputation on the bottom shelf, but their Single Barrel version should not be placed in that category. It is a completely different animal. This is a readily available 10-year-old bourbon that delivers on price and taste. I enjoy it and I think you probably would too.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Review

Bourbon Name: Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Proof: 86.6

Age: 10 years

Year: 2014

How I Drank It: Neat in a crystal double old fashioned glass

My Nose Noticed:  Oak comes across on the nose, along with vanilla and nice sweetness. After letting it open up a little bit, I get the hint of butterscotch. Not too complex and it doesn’t overwhelm you, but it is pleasant.

First Sip: Oak and vanilla are present with the first sip. Cinnamon comes along as well.

The Burn: Coming in at 86.6 proof, this bourbon doesn’t burn a ton…a little, but not much. It also doesn’t linger long, but there is a hint of orange on the end.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: I’ve tried it all three ways and think they are all acceptable. Overall, I prefer it with a few drops of water, which adds some more sweetness to the nose. It is good neat as well, providing a little more heat. Adding some ice really mellows it out but takes away some of the flavor. I would suggest trying it all three ways and figuring out what works for you. Some people think it’s terrible to add ice, but if you like it, go for it.

Share With: Everyone. Evan Williams Single Barrel is affordable, so you can keep it as a daily drinker. It comes with some good flavor and is what I think a bourbon should be…reasonably prices and full of flavor. Frankly, it tastes good and would be easy to share with friends.

Worth The Price: Most definitely worth the price. It’s $30 in Virginia and somewhere around $23 in Maryland, close to DC. For a 10 year old bourbon, that is a great price.

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Get a bottle. Why not?! It’s delicious, affordable, and available…that is a winning trio right there.

Editor’s Note: Paul Brown is our guest blogger today with his Evan Williams Single Barrel review. As with our other Help Wanted applicants we ask that you share your thoughts on his post in the comments as well as online where you can find Paul at @pabrown24 or @pabrown24.