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Evan Williams Black Label vs Ancient Age
Comparing Evan Williams Black Label and Ancient Age reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| 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
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/3 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).