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Evan Williams Black Label vs Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Evan Williams Black Label and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$14 – $18 vs. ~$28 – $36).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) +4 proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$16 less | ~$28 – $36 |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 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.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/4 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
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 at a lower price point.
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch).