Comments on: Review: Evan Williams Single Barrel (2000 Vintage)

By: Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:32:34 +0000

John

The EWSB has long been my favorite bourbon, and my last bottle was of the 1997 vintage. After reading your review, I picked up the last two available bottles of the 2000 at my local merchant, both from barrel number 344. I guess out here in Honolulu we probably don’t have a prayer of getting one of the lower numbered barrels, but I’ll let you know how it compares to those single and double digit barrels the rest if you have on the mainland!

By: Robo

Robo — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 03:19:48 +0000

Ive been trying to build up a more robust Whiskey/Whisky palette and bar recently. Saw your review and decided to see if I could still find a bottle around. Luckily I just picked up a bottle of the 2000 vintage (bottle #932 barreled on 12-11-00, bottled on 9-12-10) and I would definitely rate this in the 93-95 range. Nose: heavy vanilla & caramel, slight toffee. Tasting: Great Mouth feel, very smooth. Vanilla again, stronger toffee, slight cinnamon, smoke undertones.

Unbelievable whiskey for the price. Better than some $80+ Single Malt Scotches I’ve had. Definitely an “everyday whiskey”.

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 02:27:30 +0000

Sippin’ EWSB 2000 and it’s one fine SBB. Makes a good compliment to watchin’ the Cotton Bowl.

By: Shaun

Shaun — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:25:39 +0000

This stuff is fantastic for the price, arguably the best domestic whisky I have ever drank, for the price of Makers Mark. This belongs in every bourbon drinkers cabinet.

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:48:57 +0000

Thanks, Kevin, for telling us about the comparison! Nice whiskey, isn’t it?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:45:12 +0000

Well, I went to my local Total Wine and they had the 1999 and the 2000 EWSB so I picked up two separate barrels of the EWSB: #29 and #61. I started with the 29, being somewhat anal and doing things numerically.
The 29 was smooth with a slight bite at the finish and heavy, fruity, caramel throughout that faded to a spicy vanilla flavor that reminded me of chai tea. The finish was quite spicy with a mild lasting finish. Overall a very good Bourbon and definitely the best Domestic whiskey I have ever tasted anywhere near this price range.
I pulled out the 61 and plopped it down on the table next to the 29 and immediately noticed that it is much darker in color with the 29 being more of a honey-copper color and the 61 being closer to tea colored, and the flavor reflected this. The 61 was heavier on the tongue with a more robust smokiness that progressed to a toffee flavor that was completely devoid of any fruitiness that was more apparent in the 29. The finish was very similar with a mild spiciness and lasting finish.
The differences aren’t stark, but certainly enough to say they are different. I enjoyed the 29 more as it seemed to have more depth and better balance. I am going to try them both tonight again in reverse order and see if that changes my perception. Overall, for a 21.99 bottle, this beats the pants off all but the priciest Domestic whiskeys.

By: Ray

Ray — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:22:42 +0000

Hello again John,

My hat off to you for the review. You now, all these people wondering what barrel #, etc. is for the birds. Just buy a bottle and enjoy. How in the heck can you guys tell one barrel from another anyway, unless you have bought all the barreled bottles! I’m completely sure that they ALL taste great, isn’t that whats its all about. Just enjoy!
These guys at Heaven Hill do not have a barrel big enough to bottle from the same barrel. They got the game, it’s not their first picnic. I like a little variety in life. All blondes aren’t beautiful, but they sure all have legs!
Ray

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:29:09 +0000

Gentleman:

A friend and I have recently purchased 2 bottles of Evan Williams Single Barrel, 2000, Barrel Numbers 284 and 316. We both enjoyed the bourbon but we both made the same conclusion. There seems to be this unidentified taste that we have not experienced in other bourbon whiskeys. What is this unidentified taste and have you experienced this in other bottles or brands?

By: David

David — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:07:20 +0000

John,

Just finished off my second bottle of EWSB 1999, after reading your review I can’t wait to sample the 2000 vintage. I will be making a trip to my favorite bourbon outlet shortly looking for a 2000 bottle. Will gladly post my humble review thereafter. Side note, it is still hard to top any bottle of Blanton’s!

David

By: Matt C

Matt C — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:55:39 +0000

I have to agree with many others in the great value of this whiskey. A tasty whisky and no alcohol after taste or sting. I got mine, a ten year 1997 bottle this year Jan 2010 as a left over holiday box with a cigar holder/flask in one gift for $24! I’ll be looking for more or maybe buying out the rest of the stock!

By: david

david — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:06:41 +0000

At $22 a bottle why split hairs. Most consumers cannot tell major difference let alone the little nuances pointed out here. The majority of those who critique could not tell the difference between a Faberge egg and a Easter egg.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:10:47 +0000

I just picked up a bottle of the 2000 vintage. Barrel #116. I didn’t find it to be all that exciting at first. I’ll have to give it another try this week – maybe I was having an off night when I had my first taste.

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:43:26 +0000

Vince, which barrel number do you have?

By: Vince

Vince — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:40:46 +0000

I purchased two bottles in Louisville right before the holidays. I am almost finished with my first bottle. It is very enjoyable. Well balanced, subtle caramel and vanilla with cinnamon and some mint. I would rate it at a 91. Also, one of the best values in the world of whiskey today

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:07:22 +0000

John, got a bottle of the 2000, barrel number 40 from Total Wine for $22. While I wouldn’t rate mine a 95 it is very enjoyable (high 80′s)and a great whisky value. Cinnamon, cloves, and some vanilla. A little oak but not overwhelming.