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Evan Williams Black Label vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Comparing Evan Williams Black Label and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 10 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$14 – $18 ~$29 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/8 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
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 lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).