Evan Williams

[Jimmy Buffet]

I have a friend who swears by Evan Williams whiskey. I have a stock that usually consists of Knob Creek and Maker's Mark but based on my friend's recommendation, would like to try a bottle of Evan Williams.

My pal buys Single Barrel. Comments? Is there a better horse in the Williams stable?

[JMF]

The regular Evan Williams, at around $12-13 a bottle, has to be the best bang for the buck in Bourbons there is.

[davebough]

How's the experiment going? Give us a report.
dave

[Jimmy Buffet]

Thanks for the recommendations, chow colleagues. I think this may be a fun quest - I love a good cigar and bourbon and last night I got to thinking that I am going to expand this into trying to find the best tasting bourbon for the bucks. With that in mind, I have had the following suggested to me:

Old Forester 86 proof
Old Forester 100 proof
Old Fitzgerald 1849
Old Grand-Dad ...
Jim Beam Black

and will consider the alternative brands you guys have made as well.

Again, thanks a million. Any others that I can add to my list would be appreciated.

[healthyscratch]

If you already stock Knob Creek, I think you'll have a hard time finding better for the money. It's the Padron 2000 maduro of bourbons, if you know what I'm saying.

[bkhuna]

Oh, I don't know about that, I was thinking more along the lines of the Hav-a-Tampa.

[Mr Lee Ho]

Don't know if it is considered a "true" bourbon, but Bernheim Wheat is excellent stuff.

[healthyscratch]

Heh.
Not sure what I'd equate Hav-a-Tampas with in the bourbon world. Maybe Rebel Yell...but I'll drink Rebel Yell.

[inuksuk]

If you're willing to expand your palate just a smidge, the Jim Beam Rye Whiskey ( http://www.internetwines.com/mb310114... ) would be a bargain at twice the price.

[Jimmy Buffet]

inuksuk I have never tried rye whiskey but a fellow chowhound and good pal - oneweinerhound - and I were just talking the other day about some so that might be on the horizon.

[JonParker]

Second vote for the Jim Beam Rye. Compare it to the Old Overlholt Rye, which is also very good. Both are very reasonably priced.

[angs9]

Here are the "bang for the buck" entries I would vote for:

Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon -> $20
Eagle Rare Single Barrel -> $25
Old Rip Van Windle 10 Year -> $25.

A great place to search for spirit reviews is the Beverage Tasting Institute at http://tastings.com. The above were among the well reviewed there that I've tried

[davebough]

I like expensive bourbons, but think cheap bourbons are underrated. Old Crow says Bourbon to me and at $8.50 a fifth I've enjoyed it with a lot of cigars.
dave

[Jimmy Buffet]

I bought some Old Forester the other day and a bottle of Old Crow was really trying to catch my eye. Might go back for it.

Ditto some Ancient Age. I think I'll see if I can find some minibottles of the stuff before springing for something bigger.

[heWho]

Evan Williams Singe Barrel is really a great deal for the money. It's one of my favorites in that price range, but for bourbon on the rocks I tend to favor Basil Hayden because I love its sweetness. I'd add that to your tasting list. It's especially good with a sweet flavored cigar.

[Jimmy Buffet]

I have heard good things about Basil Hayden. I'll give it a try.

[ted]

I'lll make yet another strong recommendation for the single barrel.

[drinkslover]

Evan Williams and Elijah Craig are both top quality. EWSB is up there with the best for that sort of money.

[bkhuna]

Great stuff at a good price. I'll bet in a blind test, you'd like it better than Maker's Mark.

[mojoeater]

The EW black label definitely gets best in show in the cheaper bourbon category. The single barrel is very, very good.

[redranger40]

From what I've seen here in the chgo area though, ewsb is the same price as knob creek, and I loves me some knob creek...can I really put almost $30 in ewsb and enjoy it? Just asking, cause I've never tried it...I found the eagle rare 10 year here for $23.99, and is pretty damn tasty if I say so myself...

[Mr Lee Ho]

EWSB is excellent stuff. I've heard great things about Elijah Craig Single Barrel, but have yet to try it.