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Evan Williams Black Label vs Old Forester Statesman
Put Evan Williams Black Label next to Old Forester Statesman and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$14 – $18 ~$37 less | ~$50 – $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 Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 4/7 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 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 Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
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 Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).