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Evan Williams Black Label vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Put Evan Williams Black Label next to Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$34 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
nuttiness 4/7 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).