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Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) vs Evan Williams Black Label
Comparing Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) and Evan Williams Black Label reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +24 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $100 | ~$14 – $18 ~$74 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 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
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
oak 8/5 oak: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
- 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 Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).