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Evan Williams Black Label vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Put Evan Williams Black Label next to Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +38 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$234 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own 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 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).