Compare
Evan Williams Black Label vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
On paper Evan Williams Black Label and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$14 – $18 vs. ~$85 – $100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$77 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 4/8 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced 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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).