The rolling hills of Kentucky hold the stories of countless individuals who shaped the landscape of American whiskey. Among the earliest of these figures is Evan Williams, whose name surfaces in historical accounts from the late 18th century. According to Evan Williams Bourbon, he was "Kentucky's 1st Distiller," as it says on the bottle, under the legend "Since 1783." While the veracity of these specific claims has been muddied by time, the historical record does make it clear he was a significant figure in the nascent days of Kentucky bourbon production.
Evan Williams’ Early Days
Born in 1755, Evan Williams hailed from the county of Pembrokeshire in south-western Wales, according to the BBC. While Wales isn’t known for its whiskey, Pembrokeshire is located a relatively short distance across St. George’s Channel from Ireland, a country whose whiskey making traditions are legendary. Many early British settlers brought distilling know-how to the Americas for both personal consumption and local trade, planting the seeds of American whiskey.
Williams arrived in the United States around 1780, according to the Kentucky Historical Society. Archival records indicate that as early as 1783, Williams was operating a distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in what is now Louisville, Kentucky. This places him among the first individuals to commercially produce whiskey in the region that would become synonymous with bourbon. Beyond his distilling activities, Williams was also involved in the area’s civic life, serving as a trustee for Louisville in its formative years.
A Distiller in the Making
While specific details about Williams' distilling methods are limited, it's likely he utilized the prevalent techniques of the time which involved pot stills and the distillation of corn, which thrived in the fertile Kentucky soil. According to the Kentucky Historical Society, Williams recognized whiskey making as an effective way to make use of excess corn supply and identified the potential of local waterways as a means to distribute his product up and down the Ohio River. These early commercial endeavors signify a crucial shift towards organized and large-scale whiskey production, moving beyond individual farm distillation for personal use and embracing a broader market.
The Enduring Name Of Evan Williams
The name Evan Williams was revived in 1957 when Heaven Hill Distillery introduced Evan Williams Bourbon. Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky, in 1935 by the Shapira family, who own it to this day, making it the largest independent, family-owned distilled spirits company in the United States. In naming their flagship bourbon after Williams, the company paid tribute to Kentucky’s distilling heritage and honored one of its greatest pioneers.
Today, Evan Williams is a mainstay on bourbon shelves worldwide, second only to Jim Beam in popularity. Its marketing approach has been emulated by countless other brands, which base their identity around mythic figures from whiskey’s past. This includes Heaven Hill’s highly-lauded Elijah Craig Bourbon, named after the so-called “Father of Bourbon,” and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, named after America’s first black master distiller. While historians may question the accuracy of such titles, these brand narratives successfully connect consumers to the history of American whiskey, evoking a deeper sense of place and meaning.
Evan Williams Bourbon Expressions
The Evan Williams bourbon brand encompasses a diverse range of expressions. Their signature 86 proof “Black Label” offering is modestly priced but a favorite among casual drinkers and whiskey connoisseurs, appreciated for its accessibility and classic bourbon character. For those seeking a higher ABV, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond is 100 proof and is the best-selling bonded whiskey on the market, according to the brand. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage is another favorite of discerning bourbon lovers, with each bottle originating from a hand-selected barrel and bearing a specific vintage date and ranging in age from 7 to 8 years. Paying tribute to the distillery's early origins, Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch is a carefully crafted blend of select barrels.
In addition to these traditional offerings, the brand also features flavored whiskeys such as Honey, Peach, and Apple, catering to a broader audience. Evan Williams Egg Nog, meanwhile, has become a popular seasonal tradition. Through this varied portfolio, Heaven Hill ensures that the name and spirit of Evan Williams continue to resonate with a wide spectrum of bourbon enthusiasts.
Artwork courtesy of Evan Williams Bourbon.
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