Early Times Bottled in Bond Vs. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond

Value whiskey time! These are both almost the same price, both Bottled in Bond, and are widely hailed as great value for the money.

Early Times) This is very impressive for the price (I paid $22 for a 1L bottle, which would come to $16.50 fo 750mL). The light nose starts out with some charred oak, orange, and leather. The palate is surprisingly full of flavor and starts with sweet corn, vanilla, orange peel, dark cherries, leather, and a hint of tobacco. Some spice shows up on the medium long finish. There is a very unique flavor to this that I can’t quite put my finger on.

Evan Williams) This is also an impressive bottle for the price (I paid $16). The nose is classic bourbon with vanilla, caramel, and lots of baking spices. The palate is somewhat sweet with classic oak, vanilla, some banana, and baking spices. There is some heat, and the somewhat quick finish is pepper spice, and light charcoal. I really could drink this every day. It has classic bourbon flavors and is incredibly affordable.

The Verdict) while these are both an incredible value, I just can’t get over how surprised I am by the robust flavors in the Early Times. I would compare it to $50-60 bottles I’ve had any day. There’s also a uniqueness to the flavor that I don’t get with EW. I guess what I’m saying is, DON’T BUY Early Times BiB... leave all the bottles for me! Hopefully the sale to Sazarac doesn’t change things!