Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch.

Evan Williams is insanely popular worldwide, and now Heaven Hill has released a newly-redesigned 1783 Small Batch, along with a bump in proof.  The name 1783 comes from the year Evan Williams first opened his distillery on the Ohio River in Louisville, when Kentucky was still part of Virginia.  Check out the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in downtown Louisville for more of that history—it’s a must-stop for anyone visiting town.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Tasting Notes

Bourbon:        Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery:       Heaven Hill
Age:                Unstated, but 6-8 years
Mash Bill:      78% corn; 12% malted barley; 10% rye
ABV:              45% (90 proof)
Cost:               $20.00

Appearance:
Bright amber.

Nose:
Corn pudding, brown sugar, ginger, clove, and oak.  Mostly mellow.

Taste:
Surprising balance between drying oak, black pepper, and cinnamon, on the one hand, and caramel apple, honey, and chocolate on the other.  The flavors are pronounced without being robust, making it suitable for easy sipping neat or using in a cocktail.

Finish:
Medium length and warming with a fade of nuttiness, brown sugar, popcorn, and oak.

Bottom Line
I can’t help comparing this Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch to its competitors.  It’s a classic bourbon with incredible balance that leads the market in this price range.  And the flavors burst too; so many bourbons at 90 proof or less are far too subtle, or they’re so young that you get graininess and green wood.  I can’t think of a better bourbon in this price range.

After the demise of my top-ever value buy—the $11.99 Kentucky-only Heaven Hill 6-year Bottled in Bond—my new house bourbon became a 1.75L of Evan Williams Bottled in Bond.  With the proof increase and insane affordability, this Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch will be part of the rotation.

Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me a bottle for this review,
without any strings attached. 
Thank you.