Latest news with #EvanWilliams
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Bourbon-According To The New Orleans Spirits Competition
Orleans and Bourbon intersection Streets Sign. Held in conjunction with Tails of the Cocktail, the New Orleans Spirit Competition is one of America's top whiskey judgings, getty The New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC) is an annual, internationally recognized spirits judging event held in conjunction with Tales of the Cocktail, one of the world's premier cocktail festivals. Established in 2022, the competition quickly gained credibility for its expert panels, rigorous standards, and focus on both craft and large-scale producers. Below are the top bourbons from the 2025 NOSC spirits judging. Heaven Hill's Bottled-in-Bond expression pays homage to one of America's most enduring whiskey traditions, reflecting the standards of the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act. It's aged a minimum of four years, bottled at 100 proof, and distilled by a single distillery within a single distilling season. This straight bourbon, typically aged for around seven years, showcases the craftsmanship and legacy of Heaven Hill. The whiskey features aromas of caramel, vanilla, cornbread, accented by toasted oak and a hint of black pepper. It's rich and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of toffee, charred oak, nutmeg, and baking spices, balanced by dark honey and a touch of dried orange zest. The finish is long, sweet, and flavorful, with lingering notes of wood spices, seasoned oak tannins, and vanilla. This approachable small-batch bourbon honors the founding year of Evan Williams' original distillery. Aged longer than the standard Black Label, it delivers remarkable smoothness and depth for its price point. The whiskey features aromas of vanilla and caramel with hints of seasoned oak, roasted nuts, and a trace of fresh buttered corn. It's smooth, with a candied sweetness on the palate, showcasing notes of brown sugar, marshmallow, and subtle cinnamon spice. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and vanilla. Starlight Distillery Carl T. Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $45 Starlight Distillery, part of the Huber family's farm operations in Indiana, blends heritage agriculture with modern distillation techniques. Carl T. is their flagship bourbon, named after patriarch Carl T. Huber. Aged four to five years in new charred oak, it captures the terroir of the Midwest grain belt. The bourbon is a blend of two mash bills: a three-grain mash bill of 60% corn, 20% rye, and 20% malted barley, and a four-grain mash bill of 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, and 9% wheat. The whiskey features aromas of roasted corn, ripe apple, cinnamon, and baking spices. It's smooth and flavorful on the palate, showcasing caramelized sugar, dark fruit, graham cracker, and a gentle rye spice backbone. The finish is medium-long and sweet with lingering notes of wood spices, chocolate, and fruitcake flavors. A sample of bourbon whiskey in a glass being evaluated. getty Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series, Wheated Bourbon, 60.5% ABV, 700 ml. $152 Part of Heaven Hill's limited Grain to Glass initiative, this wheated bourbon spotlights local grains and traditional fermentation and distillation techniques. It showcases the softer, sweeter character of wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill. Aged for 5-10 years, it's six years old on average. The whiskey is matured on floors three, four, and five in rickhouse W3. The bourbon features aromas of buttery pastry, dried cherry, cinnamon toast, and honeysuckle. It's smooth and velvety on the palate, with flavors of baked apple, butterscotch, almond nougat, and spiced honey. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of wood spices, cooked grain sweetness, and a subtle hint of aged tobacco leaf. Old Grand-Dad 16 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $206 This ultra-aged expression from the storied Old Grand-Dad label is a rare gem. Distilled from a high-rye mash bill and matured for 16 years, it offers a powerful and complex profile. It's bottled at a robust proof, featuring intense flavors and appealing to seasoned bourbon drinkers. The bourbon features intense aromas of leather, burnt sugar, aged tobacco, and stewed black cherries. It's robust and spicy on the palate, showcasing bold rye spices, black pepper, dark chocolate, black walnut, molasses, and charred oak. The finish is exceptionally long with lingering notes of black pepper, rye spices, and a dry, earthy leather note. Green River 1885, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 42.5% ABV, 750 ml. $30 Revived in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River is one of the oldest bourbon brands in the state. This young but lively bourbon is part of the brand's comeback, emphasizing high-quality production even at a youthful age. The mash bill consists of 76% corn, 15% rye, and 9% malted barley. The bourbon features aromas of vanilla pudding, cooked grain, and cinnamon candy. It's light-bodied on the palate and slightly sweet, showcasing flavors of cornbread, green apple, caramel drizzle, and allspice. The finish is relatively short, crisp and spicy, with lingering notes of toasted oak, caramel and black pepper. Blackland Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $87 Crafted in Fort Worth, Texas, this bold Texas bourbon is made from a proprietary grain bill that includes flint corn and triticale. The intense Texas heat accelerates the maturation process, creating a robust and flavorful spirit even at a young age. The whiskey features aromas of mesquite, molasses, roasted corn, and saddle leather. It's robust and full-flavored on the palate, showcasing flavors of charred wood, dark fruit compote, chili pepper, and wood spices. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of charred oak, dried herbs, and a savory, slightly saline note. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 63.5% ABV, 750 ml. $62 This innovative expression takes traditional Elijah Craig Small Batch and finishes it in custom-toasted new oak barrels. The toasting process enhances sweetness and wood influence without overwhelming char, making this a cult favorite. The bourbon features aromas of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, dark caramel, and a hint of cocoa. It's rich and sweet on the palate with dessert-like flavors of vanilla custard, cinnamon toast, maple, and roasted nuts. The finish is long, sweet, and velvety, with lingering notes of wood spices, chocolate, seasoned oak, and caramel. Low Gap Old Fussbudget 8 Year, Cask Strength Straight Bourbon, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $130 Produced in small batches in Mendocino County, California, Low Gap is known for its grain-to-glass approach. The Old Fussbudget is a high-proof, barrel-finished bourbon aged for eight years and often showcases a range of finishing casks such as port or sherry. The mash bill consists of 65% corn, 20% malted barley, and 15% malted rye. The bourbon features aromas of fig, pipe tobacco, espresso, and plum jam. It's intense and full-bodied on the palate, with dark chocolate, wood spices, prune, dried herbs, and candied citrus zest. The finish is long, dry, and warming with lingering notes of oak, bittersweet cocoa, and wood spices. The bourbons honored at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition reflect the incredible diversity and creativity shaping America's whiskey landscape today. Whether drawn from deep Kentucky roots or crafted by rising stars in Indiana, Texas, or California, each expression embodies a unique perspective on America's native spirit. From the accessible charm of Evan Williams 1783 to the bold maturity of Old Granddad 16-Year-Old, these award-winning bourbons deliver a rich spectrum of aromas, textures, and finishes that speak to both heritage and innovation. For collectors, connoisseurs, and curious sippers alike, these top NOSC medalists offer a masterclass in what makes American bourbon so globally revered. More From Forbes
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
The Most Important Packers: No. 16 — Evan Williams
Green Bay safety Evan Williams (33) is hoping for a big second season with the Packers. The Green Bay Packers went 11-6 last season, sweeping the NFC West and the AFC South along the way. Overall, though, no one in the building was happy. The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. Afterwards, general manager Brian Gutekunst turned up the heat on everybody in the building. 'We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency,' Gutekunst said. 'I think it's time we started competing for championships.' Those are fair expectations. The Packers return 20 of 22 starters, and appear to have upgraded the roster via free agency and the draft. With several third and fourth year players trending upward, Green Bay should be poised to make a move. 'I think they're ready,' Gutekunst said. Now, it's time for the Packers to prove their G.M. right. Green Bay's first training camp practice is July 23. Between now and then I will count down the '30 Most Important Packers' heading into the 2025 campaign. At No. 16 is safety Evan 16 Evan Williams, S Last season Williams was named to the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team after an impressive first season. Williams made six starts and played in 13 games as a rookie. He had an interception, forced a fumble, had three passes defensed and 47 tackles. Williams didn't play a single snap in the Packers' Week 1 loss to Philadelphia in Brazil, and he played just 34 snaps from scrimmage in Green Bay's first four games. But he moved into the starting lineup in Week 5 and made six starts overall. What slowed Williams were hamstring and quadriceps injuries, as well as a late-season concussion. In all, Williams missed four games and couldn't finish two others. 'He's got to continue to learn his body,' Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Williams. 'Because I know we had, there were some injuries last year just to make sure that he's available.'Career to date Williams played four seasons at Fresno State before transferring to Oregon in 2023. During his five college seasons, Williams recorded 307 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5½ sacks, four quarterback hurries, four interceptions, 16 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Overall, Williams earned some type of all-conference honors each of his final four college Williams passed fellow rookie Javon Bullard and earned a starting safety job next to Xavier McKinney after a month last season. If Williams can stay healthy, he should keep that position — and could become one of the NFL's top young safeties. Williams posted a 71.9 grade from Pro Football Focus in his first six games of 2024. In his final seven games, though — when injuries hit — Williams had an average grade of 58.3. Williams has the intelligence and athleticism to develop into a high level safety. The key will be staying on the Said It … 'He can be as good as he wants to be. I think he has a weapon in his brain with how smart he is and how aware he is. That accelerates your ability to play early in this league because you can grasp the concepts and what we're trying to get done.' — Packers defensive backs coach Ryan Downard on Williams'I feel like I'm a guy that learns through experience, learns through being in the fire more than just sitting back and watching. I feel like each rep, each step I'm taking this year, I'm just gaining confidence, gaining experience. Honestly I'm just looking to take that step being a confident football player out there and hopefully I'll have the defense just playbook in my back pocket so I can take that next step and think about other things; think about ok what is the offense trying to do here? What is this formation telling me? I feel like I could take steps in that department and taking it a step further and becoming a more proactive player rather than just being reactive.' — Williams on having a year of experience'I think just building on what he's already done and being consistent with it again. Another guy that loves the game. He's extremely intelligent. He comes in with the right mentality. And he just works.' — Packers coach Matt LaFleur on what Williams must do to improveTHE TOP 30 • No. 30 — RB MarShawn Lloyd • No. 29 — WR Dontayvion Wicks • No. 28 — S Javon Bullard • No. 27 — WR Savion Williams • No. 26 — LB Isaiah McDuffie • No. 25 — OL Jordan Morgan • No. 24 — WR Matthew Golden • No. 23 — CB Carrington Valentine • No. 22 — WR Romeo Doubs • No. 21 — QB Malik Willis N0. 20 — DE Lukas Van Ness • No. 19 — RG Sean Rhyan • No. 18 — LT Rasheed Walker • No. 17 — DT Devonte Wyatt
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
The Most Important Packers: No. 28 — Javon Bullard
Green Bay Packers defensive back Javon Bullard played both safety and slot corner during his rookie ... More season, The Green Bay Packers went 11-6 last season, sweeping the NFC West and the AFC South along the way. Overall, though, no one in the building was happy. The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. Afterwards, general manager Brian Gutekunst turned up the heat on everybody in the building. 'We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency,' Gutekunst said. 'I think it's time we started competing for championships.' Those are fair expectations. The Packers return 20 of 22 starters, and appear to have upgraded the roster via free agency and the draft. With several third and fourth year players trending upward, Green Bay should be poised to make a move. 'I think they're ready,' Gutekunst said. Now, it's time for the Packers to prove their G.M. right. Green Bay's first training camp practice is July 23. Between now and then I will count down the '30 Most Important Packers' heading into the 2025 campaign. At No. 28 is safety/slot corner Javon 28 Javon Bullard, S/CB Last season Bullard began the season starting opposite Xavier McKinney at safety, then moved to slot corner in mid-October after the emergence of fellow rookie Evan Williams. Bullard played primarily in the slot the rest of the season, but did go back to safety when Williams and later Zayne Anderson were both injured. 'I just think he's got so much versatility and value, moving him around all over the place — whether it's nickel, dime, safety, getting him closer to the ball, blitzing him, getting him involved in the run game, he's got coverage ability,' Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. 'He's going to be a guy that you can do so many things with down the road once he really has a great grasp and feel for everything.' Bullard finished the year starting 11 of the 15 games he played. He was fourth on the team with 85 tackles, but had a concerning number of missed tackles (10). Big plays were also missing from Bullard's game, as he finished with zero interceptions, no sacks, no forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Quarterbacks had a 121.4 passer rating throwing at Bullard. And according to Pro Football Focus, his coverage grade of 46.9 ranked 141st out of 171 safeties. Bullard missed Weeks 15-16 with an ankle injury, but played well down the stretch, highlighted by a career-best 11-tackle performance against Minnesota in Week to date Bullard, a second round draft pick in 2024, did a little bit of everything during his collegiate career at Georgia. Bullard played mostly slot corner in 2022 when the Bulldogs won the national championship. He had 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss that season, and was named Defensive MVP of the 2022 national championship game The Bulldogs moved Bullard to safety in 2023 where he finished with career highs in tackles (56) and passes defensed (seven). He was also voted the top safety at the Senior Bowl. While most teams viewed Bullard as strictly a safety, the Packers liked his versatility and believed he could play slot corner at the next It's tough to gauge exactly where Bullard fits in the pecking order right now. Evan Williams passed Bullard at safety last season and was later named to the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team. Green Bay's cornerback trio of Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine could also make it tough for Bullard to win the slot corner job. If Bullard's going to have a major role in the defense again, he'll need to prove that his coverage skills have improved and missed tackles will no longer be a Said It … 'We knew with Javon he had the positional flex, he had the versatility. We knew that, and we verified that last year.' — Packers defensive back coach Ryan Downard on Bullard'I'm a winner. I want to win at all costs. Whatever that may be. Winners like to hang around winners, If you're a winner and you want to hang around losers than sooner or later you can possibly become a loser. I like to hang around winners and I feel like this organization is all about winning.' — Bullard during the 2024 season'I think when you watch Bull, you watch how physical he is around the ball and you just want to try to find ways to get him more involved play after play. He can do it all, though. I think he can cover. I know he's physical in the run game. He's a really good blitzer.' — Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Bullard'I think Javon, he did a great job playing violently. I mean, that guy plays the game the right way. He addresses blocks the right way. We saw it in Week 1 and we saw it throughout the season.' — Downard on BullardTHE TOP 30 • No. 30 — RB MarShawn Lloyd • No. 29 — WR Dontayvion Wicks
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
10 Great Bourbons Under $50 That Don't Taste Cheap
Bourbon Flight with selective focus on four samples There's something oddly satisfying about finding a bourbon that tastes like a splurge but costs less than your Saturday DoorDash bill. Bourbon fans know the mid-shelf is where value magic happens: small-batch flavor, balanced heat, and enough character to sip neat or pour generously over a single ice cube — all without you squinting at your credit card statement the next morning. Ready to upgrade your bar cart without downgrading your rent? Here are ten well-loved bourbons under $50 that punch above their price point, with tasting notes so you know exactly what you're signing up for. Evan Williams Evan Williams Single Barrel Approx. $30 Evan Williams is a name you'll see on every bourbon shelf — but their Single Barrel edition is where things get interesting. Expect warm caramel, sweet oak, and a touch of toasted nut. It's mellow enough for a newbie but complex enough to sip slowly. Tasting Notes: Vanilla custard, caramel drizzle, gentle charred oak, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Four Roses Small Batch Four Roses Small Batch Approx. $40 A darling among bartenders, this bottle is a blend of Four Roses' distinct recipes, balancing fruitiness with gentle spice. It's soft, inviting, and won't overwhelm your palate — a great pick for those stepping up from standard bottom-shelf pours. Tasting Notes: Ripe red berries, light caramel, baking spice, and a clean, floral finish. Wild Turkey 101 Wild Turkey 101 Approx. $25 Proof that you don't need a big budget for a bold pour. Wild Turkey 101 is high-proof but well-behaved: robust caramel and vanilla wrapped in a peppery backbone. Makes an old fashioned with backbone or stands tall neat. Tasting Notes: Sweet corn, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and a lingering pepper warmth. Elijah Craig Small Batch Elijah Craig Small Batch Approx. $35 A staple in bourbon circles, Elijah Craig Small Batch offers that classic Kentucky hug at a fraction of the cost. It's a balanced, crowd-pleasing sipper with enough depth for whiskey nerds. Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, caramel apple, gentle oak smoke, and a kiss of nutmeg. Approx. $30 Beloved by bartenders and over-ordered everywhere for good reason: it's reliable, smooth, and tastes like it should cost more. It's a solid starter bourbon that works equally well in cocktails or straight up. Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, vanilla fudge, sweet spice, with a touch of anise and dried fruit. Old Forester 100 Proof Old Forester 100 Proof Approx. $30 Old Forester 100 is classic and confident: it's spicy, robust, and a value gem for whiskey drinkers who like a little backbone. Perfect for an affordable yet serious Manhattan. Tasting Notes: Rich oak, dark cherry, baking chocolate, and a peppery finish. Bulleit Bourbon Bulleit Bourbon Approx. $35 Bulleit is known for its high-rye mash bill, which gives it a peppery zing you don't always find in sweeter bourbons. It's crisp, versatile, and widely available — a safe bet at parties. Tasting Notes: Bright orange zest, nutmeg, vanilla bean, and rye spice. Maker's Mark Maker's Mark Approx. $30 A wheated bourbon that's gentle on the palate but not boring. Maker's Mark is soft, sweet, and great for drinkers who shy away from heavy oak and spice. Tasting Notes: Honey, buttered toffee, soft vanilla, and a touch of almond. 1792 Small Batch 1792 Small Batch Approx. $40 1792 Small Batch is for drinkers who want a step up in character. It's a bit bolder, with deeper oak and spice — a 'bourbon drinker's bourbon' that still stays wallet-friendly. Tasting Notes: Caramel toffee, allspice, dark fruit, and charred oak. Henry McKenna Kentucky Straight Bourbon Henry McKenna Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Non-Bottled in Bond) Approx. $45 Not to be confused with its Bottled-in-Bond sibling (which costs a bit more and is often hard to find), the standard Henry McKenna is still a hidden gem. It's smooth, approachable, and a reminder that good bourbon doesn't need hype. Tasting Notes: Brown sugar sweetness, vanilla cream, gentle baking spice, and a whisper of oak. Finding great bourbon under $50 isn't about hunting unicorn bottles — it's about smart picks, reliable flavor, and having a pour you're proud to share (or hoard for yourself). The next time you're bourbon shopping, remember that big flavor doesn't require a big budget. These ten bourbons under $50 offer the kind of balance, complexity and warmth that make them just as satisfying as pricier pours—sometimes even more so.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 industry-shaping names will join the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Meet the 2025 class
Five big, industry-shaping names in bourbon are joining the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Their roles in bourbon vary dramatically, but their dedication to the industry and overall influence on have earned them a spot in Kentucky's history. The 2025 class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will welcome longtime legislative champion Damon Thayer, trailblazing female entrepreneur Mary Dowling and Larry Ebersol, who played a key role in the craft distilling boom. Craig Beam, a seventh-generation distiller, and 50-year-bourbon veteran and former Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris are also joining the ranks. The five new members will be inducted in September, which is Bourbon Heritage Month. Each year, candidates for the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame are submitted by Kentucky Distillers Association member distilleries and the KDA Board of Directors through a comprehensive application process. The selection committee chooses a maximum of five inductees each year. More: Brown-Forman shares bleak outlook for company, spirit industry amid tariff uncertainty Here's what to know about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class of 2025. Craig Beam, who is a seventh generation distiller in a storied Kentucky family, learned the art and science behind making whiskeys from his grandfather, Earl, and father, Parker, who are both legendary Master Distillers and Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees. He spent part of his career at Heaven Hill Distillery working on the company's flagship brands while also introducing new products, such as the Evan Williams and Elijah Craig single barrel series. He is currently the master distillery at Jackson Purchase Distillery, which is one of Kentucky's fastest growing distilleries. The late Mary Dowling was born in 1859 to Irish immigrants, and throughout her life she overcame anti-Irish sentiments and gender barriers to become a trailblazing bourbon entrepreneur. When her husband died in 1903, she took over the Dowling bourbon empire. She became the first woman to run a major distillery, even though she met plenty of resistance from her bank and competitors trying to force her to sell for pennies on the dollar. During American Prohibition, Dowling moved bourbon production to Mexico. Outside of bourbon, Dowling used her wealth and influence to build churches, champion immigrants as well as advocate for Black and women's rights. She opened a free hospital before her death in 1930. More: She's the 'Mother of Bourbon,' but you've probably never heard of her. Meet Mary Dowling Larry Ebersold's career began at the Seagram's plant in Louisville in 1972 as distillery shift supervisor. He spent nearly four decades in corporate spirits world, working in various departments such as cooking and fermentation, then engineering, and maintenance and utilities. When Diageo and Pernod Ricard purchased the Seagram Company in 2001, his responsibilities expanded beyond the distillery and grain division to include Pernod's barrel inventory, as well as manufacturing planning and sales of bulk whiskies. His diverse career set the stage for a busy retirement. He launched a consulting business in 2010, and his expertise has shaped 31 distilleries, including New Riff, Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon, collaborating with architects and engineers to design innovative production spaces. Chris Morris is a 50-year veteran of the Kentucky bourbon industry, and his craftsmanship and integrity are recognized around the world through the Brown-Forman's whiskey portfolio. Morris, who is Master Distiller Emeritus for Woodford Reserve, is the mastermind behind brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and the company's celebrated Master's Collection. Morris also is one of the industry's most respected historians, a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers' Association Board of Directors, and a cherished mentor to his successor at Woodford Reserve, Elizabeth McCall. More: Here are 7 new bourbon, whiskey releases or experiences you need to know about this month Damon Thayer is considered one of the strongest champions of Kentucky bourbon in the history of the Kentucky General Assembly. As retired Senate Majority Leader, Thayer is directly responsible for stewarding more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized the bourbon industry and propelled it into the bourbon boom of the 2010s and early 2020s. That legislation has position bourbon distilling into an economic and tourism powerhouse for the Kentucky. Reach Courier Journal features columnist Maggie Menderski at mmenderski@ This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KDA Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class of 2025
