Tastes

Oaky, as expected for its age, but also slightly… minty? Slightly dry, astringent finish. Good to enjoy at least once, and on someone else’s tab I’d gladly enjoy a couple of pours. But at 90 proof and with flavors that are slightly muted with age, don’t expect the bold, rich palate you’ll find in Elijah Craig’s barrel proof offerings half the age.

Delightfully thick on the palate with a long finish. The proof is present without overwhelming. Brown sugar, caramel, all the classic bourbon notes.

Oak and caramel. Perhaps the best bourbon I’ve ever tried. Delightfully thick on the palate. I could be happy if this was all I could ever drink again.

It’s very, very solid. But unless you have ties to the state of Michigan and don’t mind overpaying a tad to support a craft distiller, there’s certainly better values out there. If it cost $55 a bottle, I’d recommend it to everyone, no caveats needed. At $70, it’s competing against some serious heavyweights. (That said, if they’re making stuff this good now, I can’t wait to see what comes out in a few years. These folks know what they’re doing.) As far as tasting notes: caramel, butterscotch ... maybe baking spice? I’m so bad at this. I’m just happy it’s all “classic bourbon notes” even if I can’t articulate them, and none of that medicinal / obviously young taste I get from a lot of other craft distillers. tl;dr ... It’s good. If you’re getting started building your collection, there’s more bang for your the buck elsewhere. If you have a decent-sized collection already and are curious what one of the smaller players are up to, it’s worth a shot.

This is my first introduction to Elijah Craig’s barrel proof offerings, but it won’t be the last — it’s everything I love about “regular” Elijah, turned up to 11. The palette is full of caramel and vanilla sweetness, but don’t savor it *too* long or the proof catches up with alcohol vapors burning your lungs. Personally, I enjoy the challenge. Do it right, and you get a well-rounded flavor explosion of ... cinnamon sugar donuts? Yeah, let’s roll with that. Linger too long and, well, are you really surprised 127 proof takes your breath away? The finish is long and warm, more sweet than spicy, leaving perhaps the most quintessential “bourbon” aftertaste. This is an extra heavy dose of the classic flavors that got me into bourbon, it’s not taking me in any new directions, and that’s fine by me.

It’s so nice and sweet, no rough edges anywhere. That’s the exact opposite of what I’m looking for much of the time, but it’s also what makes this the perfect nightcap. Take a quick sip and enjoy the classic caramel and brown sugar, or hold it a moment and let additional complexity unfold. Hold it yet another beat and be reminded that at 90 proof it’ll still hug if you want it. There’s a time and place for this one, and while it’s not my first pour, it’s often my last.

Shockingly good for the price. Touch of sweetness / caramel with some nuttiness to add complexity and enough proof to stay balanced. Punches far above its weight class, and a steal as a daily drinker. I haven’t yet blinded this with Jim Beam Single Barrell, but I suspect it’d win out.