Evan Williams
Evan Williams, originally from Dale in Pembrokeshire, Wales, emigrated to North America towards the end of the 18th century. His journey led him to settle in Kentucky, where he would make a significant mark on the region’s history.
In 1783, Williams began distilling in what is now known as Louisville, Kentucky. This site is commemorated by a historical marker, which recognises it as Kentucky’s first commercial distillery. Williams’s contributions extended beyond distilling, as he was elected the first wharf master of Louisville in 1797.
The heritage of Evan Williams is prominently displayed on the label of its most popular variant, the black label, which features the inscriptions "Since 1783" and "Kentucky's 1st distiller". Despite these references, it is important to note that the brand has not existed continuously since the original distillery. The present-day Evan Williams whiskey brand was introduced by Heaven Hill in 1957, drawing inspiration from its historic roots.