Evan Williams Bourbon: Kentucky First

‘Kentucky’s First Distiller’ may well have been Evan Williams according to some. ‘Necessity, who is the mother of invention,’ plays out in bourbon history the way Plato, the Greek philosopher, mentioned well before bourbon’s time. If there is something to be done the human spirit will find a way.

The Kentucky terrain made getting crops to market burdensome for some growers in the region. Grains would eventually deteriorate. Rather than allow excess to go to waste, Evan Williams put a plan to action. Williams set up a small distillery and began producing Kentucky whiskey. It was rather popular among his fellow Louisville townsmen. Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey continues in reputation and high esteem by bourbon lovers today.

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon contains definite notes of chocolate with subtly of cherry, but very understated. There is an underlying hush of peach that rises on the palate as the warmth begins to surround. The bourbon is thin rather than sweet and caramely with round vanilla notes. It is smooth around the edges with a hint of mocha and cinnamon spice. Easily sipped as is or with a cube or two of ice to open up the aroma. Makes a great mixer for bourbon cocktails and the price is exceedingly appropriate for mixability as well.

Wild Cherry – created by Cheri Loughlin

5 Fresh Cherries

1/4 ounce B&B Liqueur

2 ounces Bourbon

Fresh Cherry Garnish

Place cherries and B&B Liqueur in a mixing glass. Muddle. Add bourbon and ice. Shake vigorously to blend and chill. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh cherry.

The hint of fresh fruit cherry with gentle notes of sweetness does not overpower this drink. This is an excellent way to bring the fresh cocktail experience to bourbon. There is no reason why Cachaca and Rum tropical drink recipes should have all the summer fresh fruit fun. The Wild Cherry is simple, easy to make, beautiful to behold and luscious to consume.

Classic cocktails are always a favorite, but made extra special when bourbon plays in the mix. Champagne dresses the bourbon with an extra splash of merriment taking one back to a time when entertaining meant dressing for the occasion and cocktails contained depth and meaning. Orange flavor presents first of all. Evan Williams Bourbon comes through in the middle with the bitters on the back end. This classic cocktail would be an excellent champagne option for bourbon toasts and celebrations.

The Seelbach Cocktail – Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails, Ted Haigh

1 ounce Bourbon

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

7 dashes Angostura Bitters

7 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

5 ounces Champagne

Orange Twist Garnish

Pour Bourbon, Cointreau and bitters into a champagne flute. Stir. Add Champagne. Stir. Garnish with an orange Twist.

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon sample for review courtesy representatives of Heaven Hill Distilleries.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.