Evan Williams 1783 Bourbon (80 Proof)

Great opening remarks from the folks at Distiller to remind us that when it comes to spirits, the terms "small batch" and "extra aged" are even more meaningless as the guarantee at a used car lot. I would love to see the major players like Heaven Hill cease and desist with this marketing gimmick which is more of an insult than anything to the experienced whiskey connoisseur. Kudos to Distiller for keeping them honest and us informed. One very striking resemblance this bottle has is the similar name to a bourbon that carries some of the same esoteric aged oak notes. Coincidence or not, the bottle w/ 17__ from Barton and particularly the Very Old Barton itself have a lot in common when it comes to musty barn door oak notes. 1783 has a good bit of the standard EW Black characteristics yet adds the distinction of a "more aged barrel" taste, that alone at a price nearly the same as black label should be enough to warrant a try from any of the old school bourboners who enjoy the standard Evan Williams. The nose, while a bit restrained, carries the standard sweet brown sugar with a hint of oak as the familiar EW Black, on the tongue is when you discover the inclusion of aged oak that is mostly non-existent in the standard Black. Finish is standard Evan with a slight spice burn holding on for a moment. At a price barely over already reasonable standard EW Black, this is an enjoyable treat and really affordable enough to be an every day drinker. Drinkable neat, with water or a mixer, the one thing Evan Williams 1783 IS NOT, is a close second to the dated Single Barrel product. In fact it would be closer to the Green Label than the uniquely special Single Barrel striped label from Evan WIlliams. Still this is an offering that every serious bourbon drinker can afford to and should try at least once. Extra small batch aged or not! Cheers!

For $13 a bottle his isn’t terrible and surprisingly smooth. I’ve never had much hate for EW anyway but this is a reasonable cheap Old Fashioned mixer.

My palate loves EW 1783! Caramel Apple, Smoked Cherries, Rich Tobacco on the front. The finish leaves me with hints of Butter Pecan and Leather. From Benchmark to Pappy, I have them; Evan Williams 1783 - Small Batch is a smooth and joyful sipper! (Blind Taste Tests will not only surprise you but are brutally honest on YOUR palate)