Evan Williams is one of those names that gets overlooked too easily. Sitting on the bottom shelf next to flashier bottles with bigger price tags, it's the kind of bourbon that serious bartenders know about but casual drinkers walk right past. The Extra Aged expression takes the standard Evan Williams and gives it more time in the barrel — Heaven Hill don't specify exactly how long, but the result is a noticeable step up in depth and complexity from the black label.
At 40% ABV, this isn't going to knock you sideways. That's actually part of its charm. Evan Williams Extra Aged is an approachable, easy-drinking bourbon that punches well above its weight class for under thirty quid. The lower proof means it's not fighting you — it's inviting you in. For someone just getting into bourbon, or for someone who wants a reliable daily sipper without having to think too hard about it, this hits the mark.
What I find genuinely impressive is the value proposition. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey has to meet strict legal requirements — at least two years in new charred oak barrels, distilled from a mash of at least 51% corn, entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. Those rules exist for a reason: they guarantee a baseline of quality. The 'Extra Aged' designation tells us Heaven Hill are letting this sit longer than the minimum, and at this price point, that extra barrel time is essentially free. You're getting more maturation, more wood influence, more developed character, for the cost of a decent bottle of wine.
Tasting Notes
I don't have my detailed tasting notes to hand for this particular bottle, so I'll hold off on making specific claims about nose, palate, and finish — I'd rather be honest than make something up. What I can tell you is that the Extra Aged designation and the Kentucky straight bourbon category give you a solid idea of what to expect: warm caramel and vanilla from that new charred oak, some corn sweetness running through the middle, and a gentle spice on the back end. The extended aging should round off any harsh edges you might find in younger bourbons at this price.
The Verdict
Evan Williams Extra Aged is a bourbon that does exactly what it needs to do and does it well. It's not trying to be a limited-edition showstopper. It's trying to be the bottle you keep on your bar and actually use — the one that's there when you want a pour on a Tuesday night or need a solid base for cocktails. At £27.75, it represents genuinely good value. I've had bourbons at twice the price that didn't deliver this level of reliability. A 7.5 out of 10 feels right — it's a confident, well-made bourbon that earns its place on any shelf, and the extra aging gives it just enough distinction to stand apart from the budget crowd.
Best Served
This is an Old Fashioned bourbon if ever I've seen one. The approachable proof and likely caramel-forward profile make it ideal for the cocktail — two dashes of Angostura, a sugar cube, a fat orange peel, and you're done. Don't overthink it. If you're drinking it neat, a single ice cube will open it up without drowning it. On a warm evening, it works surprisingly well in a Whiskey Sour too — the corn sweetness plays nicely against fresh citrus. Whatever you do, don't sleep on this bottle just because of the price tag.
