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Old Forester Statesman vs Evan Williams Black Label
Put Old Forester Statesman next to Evan Williams Black Label and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) +9 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$14 – $18 ~$37 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 7/4 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).