Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey

Evan Williams Bourbon is Heaven Hill's flagship Kentucky straight bourbon and the world's #2-selling Kentucky straight bourbon — named for Evan Williams, who opened Kentucky's first commercial distillery in 1783, and bottled at 86 proof with the smooth, easy caramel-and-oak character that has made it a bar and home staple for generations.

Aged longer than the law requires and bottled at 86 proof, Evan Williams Black Label delivers consistent, approachable bourbon at an everyday price — the reason it's one of the best-selling bourbons in the world. Medium amber in the glass, it leads with vanilla and mint on the nose before opening into oak, brown sugar, and caramel. It's built to be versatile: easy enough to sip neat or on the rocks, sturdy enough to anchor an Old Fashioned, a whiskey sour, or any classic bourbon cocktail.

The accolades back up the value reputation — a 93-point “Great Value” rating at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, plus a Double Gold at the SIP Awards and a Consumers' Choice Award in 2021.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla and mint over medium amber.
Palate: Oak, brown sugar, and caramel — smooth and rounded.
Finish: Easy and approachable.

Specs

Distillery: Heaven Hill, Bardstown, Kentucky
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
Color: Medium amber
Size: 750ml

Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Evan Williams?

Evan Williams is credited with opening Kentucky's first commercial distillery in 1783. Heaven Hill named its flagship bourbon after him; the brand has grown into the #2-selling Kentucky straight bourbon in the world.

What's the difference between Evan Williams Black Label and the Bottled-in-Bond white label?

Black Label is the flagship at 86 proof, aged longer than required and built for everyday versatility. The Bottled-in-Bond (white label) is 100 proof, the product of a single distilling season, and bottled under the Bottled-in-Bond Act — a bolder, higher-proof expression.

How should I drink it?

Versatile enough for any approach — neat, on the rocks, or as the base of an Old Fashioned, whiskey sour, or highball. Its smooth caramel-and-oak profile and value price make it a popular everyday mixing and sipping bourbon.