Compare
Evan Williams Black Label vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Evan Williams Black Label and Michter's US*1 Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$14 – $18 vs. ~$45 – $55).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Michter's US*1 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) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +5 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$34 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Michter's US*1 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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).