Compare
Evan Williams Black Label vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Comparing Evan Williams Black Label and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 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 Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$14 – $18 ~$47 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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 Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 3/7 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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 Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
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 Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).