Compare
Evan Williams Black Label vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing Evan Williams Black Label and Johnny Drum Private Stock is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (86 vs. 101).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$24 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock 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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/6 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).