July 11, 2025

Evan Williams Master Blend: A Distillery-Only Treasure with guest Star Knobs

1 hour 4 minutes

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We explore the Evan Williams Master Blend, a special bourbon only available at the Evan Williams Experience distillery in Louisville, featuring their 23-year-old bourbon among other expressions.

• Exclusively available at the Evan Williams Experience in Louisville, not at the Heaven Hill distillery
• Masterful blend of five Evan Williams expressions including 23-year-old single barrel bourbon
• Priced reasonably for a bourbon containing such aged components
• The nose offers caramelized sugar, apple, banana, and subtle vanilla notes
• Remarkable flavor evolution that transforms from initial taste through the finish
• Long-lasting apple-like finish that lingers pleasantly without needing a chaser
• Received a rare perfect score for finish with a 16/18 overall rating
• Perfect for sharing with special friends and family
• Will be included in our upcoming Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour

Join us on our bus tour that includes a visit to the Evan Williams Experience where you can try this exceptional bourbon blend yourself.

What makes a bourbon worth the journey? In this special tasting episode, we dive deep into Evan Williams Master Blend – a distillery-only treasure that brings together five different expressions including their coveted 23-year-old single barrel.

The magic of this bourbon lies in its remarkable evolution. Beginning with gentle aromas of caramelized sugar, apple, and subtle floral notes, each sip takes you on a journey reminiscent of slowly caramelizing bananas – transforming from fruit-forward sweetness to rich, complex caramel. Most surprising is the extraordinary finish that lingers with a pleasant apple-like sweetness long after the sip is gone. Unlike many bourbons where the finish is merely an aftermath, here it becomes an entirely new experience worth savoring.

What struck us most was how this 90-proof offering delivers complexity without overwhelming intensity. It's approachable yet sophisticated, making it perfect for sharing with special friends and family. Despite containing well-aged components, it remains reasonably priced (historically under $100), representing one of bourbon's best values if you're willing to make the pilgrimage to Louisville.

Our conversation also explores the science behind bourbon production – from how barrel char affects hangovers to the importance of oak's natural properties in whiskey aging. We even touch on the fascinating details of how specific growing conditions of oak trees influence the final flavor profile.

Ready to experience this special bourbon yourself? Join our upcoming Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour featuring the Evan Williams Experience or plan your own visit to Louisville. Have you tried any distillery-only releases that surprised you? Let us know in the comments!