On Friday, I received a review bottle of the new Old Crow “Reserve” with a press release that states it is intended to compete with Evan Williams. So, I procured a bottle of Evan Williams (on sale for $8.99 right now here in Pennsylvania) and compared the two.
You wanted me to review value whiskeys. I’m delivering.
Old Crow Reserve, 4 year old, 43%, $12
A new “upgrade” from the standard Old Crow, which is only three years old. Soft aroma of sweet corn, candy corn, vanilla and light caramel. Similar follow through on the palate—predominently sweet, with more corn, vanilla, and light caramel. It finishes sweet (too sweet, actually), a bit grainy, and slightly hot.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 75
If this brand is meant to compete with Evan Williams, then this four year old should be the standard “Old Crow” and the Reserve expression should be more like five or six years old, because the standard Evan Williams bottling (with no age statement) reviewed below is clearly superior to Old Crow Reserve. Old Crow Reserve is too sweet and lacks oak notes for balance and complexity. It’s acceptable enough as a mixing bourbon or perhaps on the rocks, but I wouldn’t drink this neat or with water.
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And now, the Evan Williams Review:
Evan Williams, 43%, $12
Nice balance of honeyed vanilla, caramel, soft oak and a hint of summer fruits and creamy coconut on both the nose and palate. Soft, lightly dried spice notes emerge on a pleasant, albiet brief, finish. Economically priced to use as a mixer or on the rocks, but also high enough quality to enjoy neat or with a splash of water. A highly versatile bourbon.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 81
Bottom line here: If you’re looking for a versatile, inexpensive bourbon to have on hand, Evan Williams is a good choice.
P.S. I shared these two bourbons with a few very experienced bourbon drinkers over the weekend (some of them WDJK readers), and our feelings were unanimous.

Evan Williams Single Barrel (2000 vintage), Barrel No. 1, 43.3%, $26
This year’s Evan Williams Single Barrel: 15th vintage!! 2000 vintage.
Master Distiller Parker Beam talking about the new vintage!! Cool!
Parker and Craig Beam pouring. Damn I’m thirsty for a bourbon–out of the barrel, no less! 142.9 proof! Their highest ever!
Gary Regan: I poured too much water in mine, can you top it up Craig?
And to end my evening at the bar called Proof: a penguin taking care of business, surprising us all…
BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with real, natural honey. Bottled at 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Honey Reserve will be shipping to select markets across the country in September at an average retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle.


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