Compare
Evan Williams Black Label vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Put Evan Williams Black Label next to Old Forester 1870 Original Batch and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$14 – $18 ~$34 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- 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.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 4/6 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
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 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).