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Evan Williams Black Label vs Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Put Evan Williams Black Label next to Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against an uncut, high-rye heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 115.2 proof (57.6% ABV) +29 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$14 – $18 ~$47 less | ~$60 – $65 |
- 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.
Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 8 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
oak 5/7 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year: Penelope's uncut flagship, now with a seven-year age statement. It is richer and spicier than the Four Grain, with caramel and rye spice carried by a lot of 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 Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year if you want a well-priced, seven-year, uncut blend with real depth and spice with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year).