Experience a rare piece of bourbon history with the 1989 Evan Williams Straight Bourbon. This 12-year-old, 101 proof expression beautifully showcases the distillery's legacy, offering an unparalleled depth of flavor honed by careful aging and traditional charcoal filtering. A true collector's gem, reflecting the pinnacle of vintage Kentucky craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet opens with rich notes of aged oak and caramelized brown sugar, quickly followed by sweet vanilla bean and marzipan. Subtle hints of dried cherry, toasted almond, and a touch of leather emerge, betraying its impressive age. A faint echo of charcoal smoke provides an underlying complexity.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth and full-bodied, defying its 101 proof. The charcoal filtering truly shines, delivering a clean yet robust flavor profile. Sweet dark caramel and butterscotch dominate initially, interwoven with baked apple and a hint of orange peel. The oak influence is gracefully present, offering spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of white pepper. A distinct dark chocolate bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully, with an oily, lingering texture.

Finish: Long, warm, and exceptionally smooth. The finish reverberates with layers of sweet oak tannins, fading vanilla, and spiced dark fruit. A pleasant dry spice coats the palate, with a final comforting echo of toasted nuts and a hint of the charcoal's purifying essence. No harshness whatsoever, just a sophisticated and evolved warmth.

About the Distillery

The Old Evan Williams Distillery, steeped in history, honors Evan Williams as Kentucky's first commercial distiller. Established in 1783, the brand is known for producing quality straight bourbon whiskeys, often emphasizing a char-filtered process for a smoother profile, a tradition that extends back to its early days.