Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A119

Initial impressions, new bottle: The nose is signature ECPB - massive and heavy, with a dense ethanol fog that seems to hang over the glass. As it clears, all of the classic notes emerge - cinnamon bark, leather, and cherry cola. The palate is viscous and powerful, but not overwhelmed by spice or heat. Salted caramel, vanilla, and leather dominate, but the underlying hint of lavender keeps everything in balance. The cinnamon spice remains present throughout, but never overtakes the palate, and the extremely long finish stays completely in balance - the quintessential Kentucky hug. A few drops of water heightens the floral notes on both the nose and palate, highlighting a slightly bitter tannic note in the finish. An empty glass yields perhaps the greatest surprise - a complex perfume of hazelnut, confectioners sugar, roses, and nail polish. Sublime. This is extraordinary both with and without water. Even from a neck pour, this is an outstanding representation of this expression.

Just tried this next to the B519 Beautiful deep amber color. Smell is very sweet, enticing. I can picture myself drinking this on a crisp fall day. Vanilla, caramel are what stand out. Wouldn’t know it was this high proof from the smell. Very full taste, much more so than B519. Honey sweet up front that spreads across the tongue with vanilla then turns to nice, smooth spicy notes. Still wouldn’t know the high proof, it’s that smooth. To me the finish wasn’t quite as long as B519 and did not get the “blossoming” effect but still very nice. Caramel lingers on the tongue with a hint of oak. Close, but A119 wins the battle for now.

Amazing

brown sugar, cocoa, and leather on the nose. beautiful deep red-brown color. explosion of spicy rye and alcohol in the mouth. viscous and warm. fruit and sweet grain develop with a long finish. opens up with a little ice and develops into a really satisfying drink.