Evan Williams Black Label (70cl, 43%)

Evan Williams Black Label is a Kentucky straight bourbon made by Heaven Hill, bottled at 43% (86 proof) in a 70cl bottle. It is matured for four to five years in new charred oak casks, comfortably beyond the two-year minimum for straight bourbon. The grain recipe is 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley, and the bourbon is chill-filtered with no added colour. The nose is light, with pronounced vanilla and mint, and quieter touches of caramel, oak and orange peel. On the palate, chalky vanilla, lightly charred oak and subtle caramel give way to crushed orange peel, brown sugar and a little rye spice. The finish runs medium to long, with gentle rye spice building, briefly joined by charred oak and leather.