Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A122

This pour had the benefit of coming off of a 1792 full proof pour. Similar proofs, but this one drinks so much cooler than that 1792. Classic Elijah Craig barrel proof notes. Nothing jumps out at you either positive or negative. I definitely enjoy the nose More than the pallet and the finish. It’s quite spicy on the backend, especially in the throat, which isn’t the most enjoyable, but a nice warming hug and lingering spice balances it back out not a bad offering, but not my favorite from Elijah Craig barrel proof. Over the course of time, I found them both on the Elijah, Craig barrel, proof, and the larceny, that the “A” Releases each year are typically the weakest. Not sure if that trend continues but at least it’s been like that for the last few years so if you’re looking to skip certain offerings, the “A” offerings tend to Be the weakest

Nose is initially full of ethanol. Fully aware that this is a 125 proof product but lots of other ECBP of the same proof or more didn’t have anywhere near this much. After the ethanol fades we find bakers chocolate, toffee, cola, nutmeg, pepper, peanut, flan, sawdust, and sweet smelling oak. Palate is of course very bold and has dark fruits (black cherry, plum), raisin, fig, vanilla custard, date, allspice, leather, and caramel. Rich. The bourbon equivalent of a Christmas fruit cake. Finish is more or less eternal with cocoa nibs, tea leaf, ice cream sundae, cinnamon, pink peppercorn, apple crisps, and well integrated oak. Mouthfeel is full and vicious to the point of being “sticky”; a real plus. Shortcomings in the nose made up for in the palate and finish. This is much fruitier than any ECBP I’ve had and it really worked for me. This remains one of the best values in bourbon. At retail of $80, any ECBP release is always an auto buy, full stop. I know these may not be what they used to be, but still damn good.

Straight: good Water: not good

Smooth and flavorful with a nice little bite. A week done batch!