If you find yourself in the bourbon section of your local liquor store and unable to choose between a bottle of Evan Williams or Jack Daniels, this article could make your decision a little easier. Both are quality and authentic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys proudly produced in the United States, but which one is superior?
The Main Differences between Evan Williams and Jack Daniels
The main differences between Evan Williams and Jack Daniels are:
- Evan Williams is distilled in Louisville and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky, whereas Jack Daniels is distilled and bottled in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
- Jack Daniels offers a simple flavor profile whereas Evan Williams offers a complex flavor profile.
- Evan Williams is matured for a minimum of four years, while Jack Daniels is matured for a minimum of two years.
- Jack Daniels undergoes the Lincoln County Filtration Process, while Evan Williams does not undergo this filtration process
- Evan Williams offers an Abv of 43%, whereas Jack Daniels offers an Abv of 40%.
- Jack Daniels costs around $24 per 750 ml bottle, while Evan William costs around $15 per 750 ml bottle.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Pros and Cons
Evan Williams Pros
- An excellent Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by Heaven Hills Brands
- Complex flavor profile with lovely notes of fresh vanilla, ginger, apples, spice, and black pepper
- Additional undertones of raw tobacco and seasoned leather
- well Packaged
- Accessible
- Great value for money
Cons
- Due to its low price, this bourbon is perceived to be a budget whiskey
Bourbon /43% ABV / Kentucky, United States Founded in 1783 on the banks of the Ohio River, Evan Williams is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the first bourbon distillery in Kentucky.
Jack Daniels Pros
- A quality Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey made by the icon Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee
- Simple flavor profile with tastes and aromas of warm cinnamon, orange zest, and dark chocolate
- The finish is long, lingering, and rewarding
- Well Packaged
- Accessible
- Well Priced
Cons
- Only matured for two years
- Around 40% more expensive than Evan Williams
Bourbon /40% ABV / Tennessee, United States Made from the finest corn, rye, and barley malt these choice grains are mixed with the iron-free water that flows from the Cave Spring found on the distillery grounds.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: What Do They Taste Like?
Evan Williams
Evan Williams is an outstanding bourbon whiskey made by Heaven Hills Brands in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. It is distilled in Louisville and aged in BardsTown at the company’s warehouse. Evan Williams bourbon delivers tastes of fresh vanilla, ginger, apples, spice, and black pepper. The bold tastes are followed by delicate undertones of raw tobacco and seasoned leather. The finish is sweet, smooth, and satisfying.
Jack Daniels
Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey is one of the most popular whiskeys and whiskey brands in the industry. It is made in a small town called Lynchburg in Tennessee, Kentucky, USA. Many believe this whiskey is responsible for putting Kentucky on the map. And for elevating traditional bourbon whiskey to the same heights as Irish and Scottish whiskey. Jack Daniels offers tastes of warm cinnamon, gentle orange zest, dark chocolate, followed by a long, lingering, and rewarding finish.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: What Do They Look Like?
Evan Williams Kentucky straight bourbon is a deep golden color with a hint of amber and copper. It looks appealing and inviting, especially when poured over a couple of ice blocks. Jack Daniels is almost identical, the only difference is that it is slightly lighter in color.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Ingredients
Evan Williams
Evan Williams Kentucky straight bourbon is made from the finest all-natural ingredients.
Water: Evan Williams strategically built his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. An all-around source of high-quality water is essential for a distillery to succeed. The Ohio River supplies water to Louisville where it passes through a treatment plant and five riverbank filtration wells.
Yeast: The Evan Williams Distillery (Heaven Hills Brands) is a sour mash whiskey that utilizes terminal mash from previous batches to start the fermentation process in the current batch. This practice acts as an acidic and pH check by creating an ideal environment for the yeast. The exact yeast strain used in Evan Williams Kentucky straight bourbon is unknown.
Corn: Evan Williams utilizes all-natural premium corn sourced from local farmers. Corn is a primary supplement and makes up 78% of the entire mash bill. Quality corn gives the whiskey sweet flavors, such as vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch. Additionally, corn gives the bourbon a rich body and a smooth finish.
Malted Barley: Malted Barley makes up 12% of the Evan Williams bourbon mash bill. Heaven Hills Brands make use of premium two-row barley sourced from passionate farmers. Barley affects the taste of the whiskey, and therefore the quality and consistency are vital.
Rye: Rye is a tertiary supplement that makes up 10% of the Evan Williams bourbon mash bill. Rye is a grain that imparts a fruity and slightly spicy flavor to the whiskey.
Jack Daniels
Jack Daniels is an authentic bourbon whiskey made from premium all-natural ingredients.
Water: Jack Daniels utilizes Cave Spring Water to produce their whiskey. Cave (derived from the natural limestone) and Spring (derived from the natural water source) have an infinite water supply of pure spring water that services the local community and the Jack Daniels Distillery.
Yeast: The Jack Daniels (and all Brown-Forman) distilleries utilize lactic soured yeast mash when distilling their exceptional whiskey. Lactic soured yeast mash contains the yeast strain Lactobacillus delbrueckii, this bacterial culture is part of the distillation tradition at the Jack Daniels distillery and greatly impacts the taste of the whiskey.
Corn: Jack Daniels uses the finest corn that is sourced from contracted farmers in the Midwest. The majority of corn is sourced from southern Illinois and southwest Kentucky.
Malted Barley: Jack Daniels only uses barley sourced from contracted farmers in Montana.
Rye: Jack Daniels use all-natural rye sourced from contracted farmers in Minnesota and Western Canada.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: About the Distilleries
Evan Williams emigrated from Wales and opened his distillery in 1783. It is believed to be Kentucky’s’ first commercial distillery and is now a famous landmark. He began distilling whiskey by purchasing surplus grains and corn, of which there was plenty. Early reports suggest that the quality of the whiskey was well below par. It was so terrible and mainly consumed for its medicinal qualities, particularly to treat colds and flu. Determined to be the best he worked hard to perfect the recipe and distillation process, today Evan Williams is one of the best-selling Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys on the planet.
Jack Daniels received an inheritance from his father in 1875 and subsequently opened a distilling business with Dan Call. He took over the distillery when Dan quit for religious reasons, and in 1884 purchased the land where the distillery is still operating today. In 1956, the company was purchased by Brown-Forman. In 2017, more than 16,5 million nine-liter cases of Black Label were shipped out of Tennessee.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Who Were They?
Jack Daniels was born in Lynchburg Tennessee on the 5th of September 1846. When he was a teenager, he was taken in by a local moonshine distiller and local preacher Dan Call. Along with his master distiller Nathan Green, they mentored Jack and taught him everything they knew about distilling quality moonshine.
Evan Williams was born in Dale, Pembrokeshire, Wales in 1755. He emigrated to the United States in the late 1700s and settled in Kentucky. Evan Williams supposedly opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery in 1783, in what is now known as Louisville, and started producing premium American bourbon whiskey. In 1979, Evan Williams was elected as the first wharf master of Louisville.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Nutritional Information
Evan Williams and Jack Daniels are made using premium all-natural ingredients, and if consumed in moderation can be good for you.
Evan Williams Nutritional Information
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Net Carbs: 0 grams
- Total Carbs 0 grams
Jack Daniels Nutritional Information
- Calories: 72
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Net Carbs: 0 grams
- Total Carbs: 0 grams
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: How Are They Packaged?
Evan Williams and Jack Daniels are well packaged and look eerily similar. Both bourbon whiskeys are presented in square 750 ml glass bottles and feature a classic cork top to lock in the goodness. Evan Williams Kentucky features a classic logo with white font, a black background, and gold trim. Jack Daniels features a classic logo with white font. Both logos are attractive and indicative of authentic Kentucky Straight Bourbons.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Where Can They Be Purchased?
Evan Williams and Jack Daniels are both popular straight bourbon whiskey and can be purchased almost anywhere. They can be purchased from local convenience stores, local liquor outlets, and local liquor distributors. These straight bourbon whiskeys can be sourced from regional and national liquor distributors such as US Spirit Suppliers, Southern Wine and Spirits, and Henry Wine Group. Evan Williams and Jack Daniels can be conveniently purchased online from companies such as Uptown Spirits, Major Brands, and Amazon.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Alternatives
Below are five quality alternatives to both Evan Williams and Jack Daniels.
Wild Turkey Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Wild Turkey is a Kentucky straight bourbon proudly produced by the Wild Turkey Distillery near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. This quality straight bourbon is adored across the United States for its elegant notes of wild spice, cinnamon, creamy caramel, and spicy rye. The finish is smooth, long, and lingering. Wild Turkey straight bourbon offers an Abv of 40.5%.
Bourbon /50.5% ABV / Kentucky, United States Wild Turkey 101 is different for good reason, and it all comes down to premium ingredients, select barrels, and a lot of patience. Wild Turkey ages the whiskey longer in new American White Oak barrels with the deepest possible char, cutting no corners across all of our bourbons and giving each one distinctive and rich flavor.
Michter’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Michter’s is an excellent example of an authentic straight bourbon whiskey made by the Michter’s Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Michter’s delivers sweet tastes and aromas of natural grains, corn, raisins, spice, caramel, honey, and butterscotch. The finish is delightful with bold and well-balanced aftertastes of toasted oak, black pepper, juicy fruits, and vanilla. Michter’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers an Abv of 47,2%.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey is produced in Loretto, Kentucky by Japanese Giants Beam Suntory. This small-batch bourbon is exceptional and offers a simple profile with beautiful notes of fresh vanilla and rich caramel. It is a sweet whiskey with a soft and smooth palate, the finish is long, warm, and lingering. Maker’s Mark Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers an Abv of 45%.
Bourbon /45% ABV / Kentucky, United States It makes a fine Manhattan with a cherry. Go light with the bitters. It's also a great choice with an Old Fashioned, particularly if you have dark purple Bing cherries to muddle.
Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey
Four Roses is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon produced by the Kirin Brewery Company of Japan. This magnificent bourbon is a result of ten distinct handcrafted bourbon recipes being expertly mixed by hand. It offers sweet notes of spice, floral, apple, pear, and dried fruits. It is smooth and soft with a spicy, long, and mellow finish. Four Roses Kentucky Bourbon whiskey offers an Abv of 40%.
Bourbon /40% ABV / Kentucky, United States Four Roses Bourbon blends up to 10 of our distinct Bourbon recipes, resulting in a versatile, easy-drinking Bourbon that appeals to casual fans and enthusiasts alike.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a small batch of Kentucky straight bourbon made by the Brown-Forman Corporation in Woodford County, Kentucky. This premium straight bourbon delivers delicate notes of spice, walnut, new oak, and vanilla, with gentle undertones of rye, orange marmalade, and bitter dark chocolate. The finish is satisfying and rewarding. Woodford Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon offers an Abv of 45,2%.
Bourbon /45.2% ABV / Kentucky, United States The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is composed of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Additional Products
Below are four quality whiskey products made by Heaven Hills brands.
Evan Williams Honey Reserve
Honey Reserve is an elegant bourbon whiskey that offers high levels of natural sweetness alongside authentic Evan Williams Kentucky bourbon whiskey. It offers rich notes of honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, followed by aftertastes of spice, pepper, and cinnamon. The finish is sweet, smooth, and lingering. Evan Williams Honey Reserve offers an Abv of 35%.
Evan Williams Honey combines Evan Williams Bourbon, the #2 selling KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey, with real natural honey. Evan Williams Honey is very versatile and can be enjoyed neat or mixed to create a refreshing cocktail.
Evan Williams Green Label
Evan Williams Green label is a quality entry-level whiskey aged for a minimum of four years. Green Label offers outstanding value for money and delivers fresh notes of creamy caramel, barley, and gently charred oak. Soft undertones of oak charcoal and toasted cereals add a lovely balance to the sweetness. Evan Williams Green Label delivers a rewarding and satisfying finish and offers an Abv of 40%.
Bourbon /40% ABV / Kentucky, United States Named after Evan Williams, who opened Kentucky’s 1st Distillery in 1783. Evan Williams is the #2 selling KY Straight Bourbon brand in the world.
Evan Williams 23 Year Old Blue Label
Evan Williams 23 Year Old Blue Label is an exclusive straight bourbon whiskey, that can be purchased as a gift shop Exclusive from the Evan Williams Experience. This incredible straight bourbon whiskey delivers exceptional tastes and aromas of sweet vanilla, honey, cherry candy, black pepper, American oak, and premium cigars. It delivers a smooth, satisfying, and memorable finish. Evan Williams 23 Year Old Blue Label offers an impressive Abv of 53,5%.
Evan Williams Kentucky Cider
Evan Williams Kentucky Cider is a wonderful blend of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and top-quality apple cider liqueur. This ambitious creation is delicious and offers delicate notes of nutmeg, baked apples, spice, citrus zest, and apple cobbler. The finish is spicy, tart, and satisfying. Kentucky Cider offers an Abv of 16%.
Below are four quality whiskey products produced by the Jack Daniels Distillery.
Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey
Tennessee Honey is a delightful honey liqueur blended with around 20% Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey. It is a pleasant and easy-drinking bourbon whiskey that offers tastes and aromas of fresh banana, pure honey, and vanilla custard. Additional soft notes of apricot and freshly chopped oak, are followed by a smooth and satisfying finish. Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey offers an Abv of 35%.
Flavored Whiskey /35% ABV / Tennessee, United States Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is a blend of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and a unique honey liqueur of our own making, for a taste that’s one-of-a-kind and unmistakably Jack. With hints of honey and a finish that’s naturally smooth, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is something special.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Single Barrel Select is a unique bourbon with a sweet and simple flavor profile. This premium whiskey is smooth and delivers bold notes of creamy caramel, fresh banana, chocolate, and gently charred oak. Delicate aftertastes of honey and brown sugar, are followed by a remarkable and memorable finish. Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select offers an Abv of 47%.
Whiskey /47% ABV / Tennessee, United States
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select is hand selected from the highest reaches of the barrel house and bottled in the smallest of batches, just one barrel at a time, at 94 proof with robust character and notes of caramel and spice.
Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire
Tennessee Fire is a feisty cinnamon liqueur that is blended with around 20% authentic Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey. It is a premium whiskey liqueur that is drinkable, spicy, and sweet. Upfront you get a powerful cinnamon aroma which is followed by moderate tastes of cinnamon, spice, brown sugar, creamy butter, and pure honey. Daniels Tennessee Fire offers an Abv of 35%.
This barrel proof offering of Jack Daniel's single barrel Tennessee whiskey is aged in handmade toasted and charred American oak barrels. A robust and smooth whiskey, expect signature flavors of vanilla and toasted oak.
Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack is an elegant bourbon whiskey that has been double filtered through sugar maple charcoal. The extra filtration process makes a significant difference and the result is an exceptionally smooth and drinkable bourbon whiskey. Gentleman Jack delivers lovely tastes and aromas of vanilla, rich caramel, brown sugar, fresh fruit, cinnamon, and maple. The finish is silky smooth, long, and lingering. Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack offers an Abv of 40%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Evan Williams is a great bourbon whiskey that has fallen into the “value brand” category. It is a fantastic bourbon and great value for money. Evan Williams is expertly matured for around five and a half years, it is full-flavored, an excellent cocktail bourbon, and offers an Abv of 43%.
Answer: There are numerous ways to consume this premium whiskey. You can have it as a shot, neat, on the rocks, or over crushed iced. Jack Daniels bourbon whiskey can be mixed with a touch of water, ginger ale, club soda, or coke (JD and coke is one of the most popular mixers in the United Kingdom).
Answer: Evan Williams Black Label is a little older than Green Label and is patiently matured for around six to eight years, there is no exact maturing period but it is usually between six to eight years.
Evan Williams Green Label is matured for around four years, once again there is no exact maturing period but it is typically around four years. Evan Williams Black Label is bottled at 43% Abv, while Evan Williams Green Label has bottled at 40% abv.
Answer: Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey undergoes the Lincoln County Process, which is a process whereby the spirit is patiently filtered through sugar-maple charcoal after the distillation process. The innovative filtration process differentiates bourbon whiskey such as Jim Beam from Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey.
Answer: Jack Daniels is a fantastic whiskey that is affordable and great money for value. The unique taste is loved around the world, it offers warm notes of ground cinnamon, fresh orange zest, and dark chocolate. The finish is long, lingering, and rewarding. Jack Daniels can be consumed as a shot, neat, on the rocks, or over crushed ice. It can also be mixed with ginger ale, coke, water, or club soda.
Answer: Evan Williams is historically recognized as the first distiller of bourbon whiskey in Kentucky. In 1783, he set up the distillery on the banks of the Ohio River and started producing quality Sour Mash whiskey. In honor of his pioneering heritage, the genuine sour mash whiskey is still made the same way today.
Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Conclusion
Both Evan Williams and Jack Daniels are authentic high-quality Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys. Both come with over a century of distilling heritage and are made using only the finest ingredients. These fine whiskeys look very similar, both the color and packaging. Evan Williams offers a complex flavor profile with lovely notes of fresh vanilla, ginger, apples, spice, and black pepper. Jack Daniels delivers a simple flavor profile with tastes and aromas of warm cinnamon, gentle orange zest, dark chocolate, followed by a long, lingering, and rewarding finish.
I thoroughly enjoyed comparing these two authentic and iconic bourbon whiskeys. I can comfortably recommend Evan Williams to any whiskey lover and honestly believe it is a quality whiskey at a great price. However, there is something special about Jack Daniels bourbon whiskey. The quality and passion are evident and the simple flavor profile works. I believe Jack Daniels to be the best American Kentucky Straight bourbon on the planet. It is versatile and can be consumed as a shot, neat, on the rock, over crushed ice, or in a whiskey mixer or cocktail.
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