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Ancient Age vs Evan Williams Black Label
Comparing Ancient Age and Evan Williams Black Label reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ancient Age | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 | ~$14 – $18 |
- Ancient Age does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ancient Age Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/5 oak: Ancient Age 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Ancient Age 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Ancient Age 2 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball (Ancient Age); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).