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Whiskey Review: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch

We review the updated Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. It comes with refreshed packaging, and a higher proof.

OVERALL RATING

6
$20.00
  • Carin Moonin is a Portland-based whiskey enthusiast and writer.
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Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch (image via Carin Moonin)

Tasting Notes

About:

Uses Heaven Hill’s traditional bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye; made from 300 barrels or less, aged 6-8 years; 90 proof; about $20.
Appearance:
In the bottle: ruddy. In the glass: beige. Light corn syrup, trending yellow. Paler than expected, in the glass. , and the
Nose:
I said corn syrup on appearance, and the nose is corny as well. That’s nice; it is corn season, after all. Also grainy and malted on the nose; not in texture but more like you’re in a silo, that sort of dusty grain smell. Finally—and this is a smell I always mock as like a pretentious thing to call out but it’s true here—pencil shavings. It really does smell like I just walked over to the pencil sharpener during the math test.
Palate:
This is…fine. It’s pleasant. Said corn and malt carries on the palate and finishes kind of cereal-ey. More savory than sweet, more dry than rich. This whiskey’s web page features a lot of drink recipes; I think this would be good in one. I wouldn’t drink it on its own. I gave it a 3, but feel like it’s more of a 2.75. For a $20 whiskey, it’s ok?
Finish:
Comments:
It’s all right, I guess. Better than a sharp stick in the eye. But not worth the collateral trumpeting accompanying it.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Carin Moonin

Carin Moonin swapped a 5th-floor walkup in Hoboken, NJ, for a house in SE Portland a decade ago and hasn't looked back. She appreciates Portland's vibrant whiskey scene, finding it complements both the weather and her mood. Carin enjoys exploring the diverse world of brown liquor and its many facets. Her writing has been featured in publications such as Salon.com, DailyDot.com, Willamette Week, Portland Monthly, and others. When she's not indulging in whiskey or writing about it, you can find Carin running, reading, or on the hunt for free samples in grocery stores.

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