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Evan Williams Black Label vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Evan Williams Black Label and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$14 – $18 vs. ~$70 – $85).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$62 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 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 Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/6 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 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 Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).