Comments on: Review of two value bourbons: Old Crow Reserve and Evan Williams

By: chris martin

chris martin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:15:53 +0000

I bought a 1.75 liter bottle of Old Crow reserve for $13 tonight. I think the store either made a mistake or they have some outlandish promotion going with the distillery. I have liberally sampled it and therefore my thoughts may be as slanted as my gait. I have been a bottom shelf whiskey drinker for years, volume and value dictate my purchase. Until now, I have been a firm believer that it is never too late for Early Times but the Old Crow reserve has changed my mind. I don’t drink whisky neat, always one to add sparkling water and a twist of lemon to my beverage. The extra kick, (86 proof) and value price make it my new drink of choice.

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:14:13 +0000

I’m glad they are giving it the attention too, but that’s all we can agree on. (And might I say that, whether it’s true or not, you come across as being biased in some way.)

By: ptsmith

ptsmith — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:06:17 +0000

I have to totally disagree with everyone here.Ive drank quite a bit of the evan williams black and I have to say I find the old crow reserve supperior in every way.I would also like to add that I am tickled that beam has finally given this distinguished historical brand the attention it deserves!

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:48:45 +0000

This was great. Count me in as an EW Black Label drinker from now on.

By: TheMandarin

TheMandarin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:18:43 +0000

Only 2 dollars more than Old Thompson’s (80% grain neutral spirits people) and probably much, much better.

Am I crazy for having a soft spot for Thompson’s?

By: sam k

sam k — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:57:23 +0000

P.S. Though the seven year old designation is gone, thank you for keeping Evan Black at 86 proof. That simple gesture reflects your respect for a quality pour, and emphasizes even further your competition’s lack of same. Eighty proof American whiskey has no place at the enthusiast’s table, even as a mixer.

We appreciate the effort…trust me!

By: sam k

sam k — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:49:55 +0000

Thanks for stepping into this conversation, Larry! The side-by-side tasting with OCR made me appreciate Evan Williams even more. I have said before that your (and the Beams’ and Shapiras’) company does a better job of making good-quality, reasonably-priced whiskey for the fans than any other, and I hope you all take that to heart.

In these days of economic unrest, the Heaven Hill brands serve the entire spectrum of whiskey lover, from the top to the bottom, better than any other distiller. Keep thinking of every drinker you serve, and every drinker you serve will keep thinking of you.

By: Larry Kass

Larry Kass — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:19:38 +0000

On behalf of Parker and Craig Beam, the Shapiras and all of us at Heaven Hill, thanks to John and all the WDJK-ites for the kind comments about our Evan Williams Black Label, and Evan Williams Single Barel Vintage (and Heaven Hill!). The remarkable growth of Evan Williams, starting even before the economy went south, is we think tangible evidence of simple and time-tested formula– a good product at a good price will always be successful. And you are correct John, Evan Williams is 5, 6 and 7 year old whiskey. If you want to try it at 4 years old (albeit at 80 proof), that would be Evan Williams Green Label–which, it just so happens, is also growing at unbelievable rates!

By: Texas

Texas — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:10:18 +0000

Yeah, true..but don’t get me wrong I LOVE WT Rye..just not quite as much as WT 101 bourbon, and a notch below Russell’s Reserve Rye.

By: Seth Nadel

Seth Nadel — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:46:28 +0000

Will there be a review on the Dickel Cascade Hollow?

By: sam k

sam k — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:15:21 +0000

Heck, if we all liked the same thing, there’d only be one brand!!

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:00 +0000

DIdn’t it used to be a 7 year old, and then they took the age statement off? It tastes like 5-6 yrs old to me–more than the 4 yrs of Old Crow Reserve.

By: Texas

Texas — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:40:32 +0000

I would not say I like it better..but WT 101 Rye is right up there.

By: H.Diaz

H.Diaz — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:10:24 +0000

Anyone know how old this standard Evan Williams is?

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:50:23 +0000

That’s true Sam. The excess whisky is what lead to the shutdown (and gap in production).