The phrase identifies a specific type of American whiskey, specifically the variety produced under the Evan Williams brand name which is considered to be of superior quality within its product line. It represents a perceived peak of quality or desirability among the various offerings from a particular distillery, based on subjective factors such as flavor profile, smoothness, or overall drinking experience. For example, within the Evan Williams range, certain limited edition single barrel bottlings might be considered to fall under this descriptor.
The identification of a top-tier product within a brand carries significant weight for both consumers and the distillery itself. For consumers, it serves as a guide to navigating the product line, highlighting potentially superior taste or value propositions. Historically, this type of distinction has been important for building brand loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. The existence of a highly-regarded expression can also elevate the perception of the entire brand, even benefiting sales of more entry-level offerings.
