Description

Evan Williams 12 Year Old Bottling Note

Evan Williams 12 Year Old is a brand produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, named after the founder of Kentucky bourbon whiskey. While the original distillery built by its namesake is long gone, and both the manufacturer and facilities are different today, the brand itself was revived in the 1900s, much like many other bourbons.

Among the various grades of Evan Williams—including the no-age-statement Black Label, the 4-year-old Bonded (their youngest aged expression), and the 23-year-old (their longest aged)—there’s no denying that the 23-year-old is arguably the best. However, for those in Japan, the Evan Williams 12 Year Old offers the best balance of price and flavor among readily available bottles.

This 12-year-old “Red Label” maintains an elegant aroma despite its robust 101 proof (50.5% ABV), delivering a powerful punch. Due to Kentucky’s warm climate, maturation progresses faster than in cooler Scotland. It’s said that 12 years in Kentucky is comparable to 18 years for a Scotch. This highly regarded bourbon is a favorite among both novice and experienced whiskey drinkers.

Currently, Evan Williams 12 Year Old is relatively easy to find in Japan. In other countries, it’s often parallel imported, leading to higher prices.

Evan Williams 12 Year Old Tasting Note

Nose: Slightly tannic woodiness, vanilla, caramel, burnt custard, and a toasty grain note reminiscent of popcorn. Swirling reveals hints of solvent and yeasty toast with a sharp, tingling edge.

Palate: Charred oak with a touch of acidity, syrupy sweetness, melon-like fruitiness, woody tannins, chocolate cookies, and cinnamon.

Finish: Lingering barrel notes with a sticky richness, warm spice, orange marmalade, a bittersweet citrus zest, and roasted nuts.

Overall: The mouthfeel is mellow and smooth, with a well-rounded maturity. Mid-palate, a variety of flavors emerge—perhaps due to the character of the barrels used. A splash of water enhances the orange notes and brings out a fresh citrus-peel nuance. The effect is similar when served on the rocks.

Product details

Weight	2.0 kg
Name	Evan Williams 12 Year Old
Distillery/Brand	Heaven Hill Distillery / Evan Williams
Classification	Bourbon Whiskey
Style	Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Region	Kentucky, USA
Age	12 Year Old
Cask Type	New Charred Oak
Volume	750 ml
Alcohol	50.5% ABV (101 Proof)
Released	Not specified
Availability	Readily available in Japan