Evan Williams 12 Year β Tasting Note
The Quick Take: A 12-year Heaven Hill bourbon at a 4-year price point. One of the most underrated bottles on the American shelf.
π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯ β Hunt it down
The Stats
Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bardstown, KY)
Mash Bill: 78% corn / 12% rye / 10% malted barley
Proof: 101
Age: 12 years
Price Paid: $120
Background: Originally a Japan-only export. Returned to U.S. shelves in 2021.
The Verdict
Worth Buying At: $120 is fair. Up to $150 without flinching.
Worth Hunting For: Yes. Allocations are tight, but Maryland gets it.
Pair It With: A cigar on the back porch. A good steak. A Tuesday that needs elevating.
Compare To: Drinks at the level of bottles priced $200+. Outclasses Knob Creek 12 and Elijah Craig 18 for the money.
Who's This For: Anyone ready to upgrade from the $25 daily drinker without paying allocation prices for a label.
The take: Heaven Hill quietly reminding the bourbon world that age, proof, and price can all line up if a distillery actually wants them to. Permanent top-10 fixture in my cabinet.
