Evan Williams 8-year 1985 (pre-fire)

Experience a true piece of bourbon history with the 1985 Evan Williams 8-Year-Old. This charcoal-filtered, 90-proof expression offers a surprisingly smooth and complex journey through rich caramel, baking spices, and a hint of seasoned oak, culminating in a pristine finish.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet, opening with classic bourbon notes of sweet caramel and vanilla bean, interwoven with a distinct nuttiness – perhaps roasted pecans or almonds. Subtle undertones of dried apricot, old leather, and a whisper of barrel char suggest its eight years of maturation. A delicate floral spice, like dried rose petals and a hint of allspice, emerges with time in the glass, hinting at the whiskey's age and charcoal filtering.

Palate: The first sip delivers a remarkably smooth and full-bodied experience, a testament to the charcoal filtering. Sweetness reigns initially with rich toffee, butterscotch, and candied orange peel. This quickly transitions to a complex medley of baking spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove. The age is evident in a refined oak presence, not overpowering, but contributing notes of seasoned timber and dark chocolate. A pleasant, mild black pepper spice surfaces mid-palate, providing a lively counterbalance to the sweetness.

Finish: A long, warm, and exceptionally clean finish. The sweetness lingers with notes of maple syrup and dark fruit, while the oak spice gently fades, leaving behind a subtle, earthy dryness. The charcoal filtering is apparent here, contributing to a remarkably smooth and soft exit. A final whisper of tobacco leaf and a hint of warm leather completes a truly satisfying conclusion.

About the Distillery

The Old Evan Williams Distillery, named after Kentucky's first commercial distiller who set up his stills in 1783, embodies a rich heritage of bourbon production. While the modern Heaven Hill Distillery now produces Evan Williams, this particular bottle hails from a period when the brand was undergoing significant evolution, reflecting traditional Kentucky distilling practices with an emphasis on quality and consistency.