The History of Evan Williams
Travel Distilled tells the history of Evan Williams, the world’s second biggest-selling bourbon brand after Jim Beam.
Evan Williams is not only one of the oldest bourbon brands in the United States but also a cornerstone of Kentucky’s distilling heritage. Here’s the story of Evan Williams Bourbon in about 600 words:
The Early History of Evan Williams
The story of Evan Williams Bourbon begins with its namesake, Evan Williams himself, a Welsh immigrant who arrived in Kentucky in the late 18th century. In 1783, Williams established Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville. This was a time when Kentucky was still part of Virginia, and the frontier was just beginning to attract settlers. Williams recognized the region’s potential for distilling, thanks to its abundant corn crops and limestone-filtered water, which is ideal for making whiskey.
Williams’ distillery was small but significant, as it marked the beginning of Kentucky’s bourbon industry. His whiskey quickly gained a reputation for quality, and he became one of the first to commercially produce and sell bourbon in the region. Though the exact recipe he used has been lost to history, his methods laid the groundwork for what would become the Kentucky bourbon tradition.
The Rise of Bourbon in Kentucky
After Evan Williams’ death in the early 19th century, the bourbon industry in Kentucky continued to grow. Distillers in the region adopted and refined the sour mash process, which Evan Williams and others had helped popularize. By the mid1800s, bourbon had become a distinctly American spirit, with Kentucky at its heart. However, the Evan Williams name faded into obscurity for a time, as the industry consolidated and larger distilleries emerged.
Prohibition and the Dark Years
Like all American distilleries, the bourbon industry faced a catastrophic blow with the onset of Prohibition in 1920. Distilleries across the country were forced to shut down, and many never reopened. While the Evan Williams brand itself wasn’t active during this time, the legacy of Kentucky bourbon was kept alive by a handful of distilleries that produced medicinal whiskey under government license. The resilience of Kentucky distillers during this period ensured that bourbon would survive to see brighter days.
History of Evan Williams in the 20th century
The Evan Williams brand as we know it today was revived in the 20th century by the Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935 by the Shapira family in Bardstown, Kentucky. Just two years after the repeal of Prohibition, the Shapira brothers recognized the growing demand for bourbon and decided to honor one of Kentucky’s distilling pioneers by naming their flagship bourbon after Evan Williams. The brand was introduced as a modestly priced, high-quality bourbon, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Heaven Hill’s Evan Williams Bourbon quickly gained popularity for its smooth, approachable flavor profile. It was made using a traditional bourbon recipe—a mash bill of at least 51% corn, along with rye and malted barley—and aged in new, charred American oak barrels. The brand became a staple of Kentucky bourbon.
Expansion and Innovation
Over the decades, the Evan Williams brand expanded its offerings to include a range of expressions, each catering to different tastes and preferences. These include:
- Evan Williams Black Label: The flagship bourbon, aged for around 45 years, known for its balanced sweetness and oakiness.
- Evan Williams Single Barrel: A premium offering, aged longer and bottled from individual barrels for a unique flavor profile.
- Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond: A high-proof bourbon that adheres to the strict Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ensuring quality and authenticity.
- Evan Williams White Label: Another Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, celebrated for its bold, traditional flavor.
In 2013, Heaven Hill opened the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row. This interactive distillery and museum pays tribute to Evan Williams’ legacy and offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of bourbon while sampling the brand’s various expressions.
Legacy and Impact
Today, Evan Williams is one of the bestselling bourbon brands in the world, second only to Jim Beam in terms of volume. Its success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kentucky bourbon and the legacy of its namesake. Evan Williams, the man, may have been a modest distiller in his time, but his name has become synonymous with quality, tradition, and the spirit of American innovation.
The brand’s commitment to affordability and accessibility has made it a favorite among both casual drinkers and bourbon enthusiasts. At the same time, its premium offerings, like the Single Barrel and Bottled-in-Bond expressions, have earned critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Conclusion
The history of Evan Williams Bourbon is a story of resilience, tradition, and innovation. From its humble beginnings in a small Louisville distillery to its status as a global bourbon powerhouse, the brand has remained true to its roots while adapting to the changing times.
Evan Williams, the man, may have been Kentucky’s first distiller, and his namesake bourbon has ensured that his legacy will live on for generations to come. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Evan Williams Bourbon is a toast to the rich history of American whiskey.
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