Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B519

The color is very deep, intense and rich amber, covering the glass in an infinite amount of heavy legs with the slightest move of the glass. Despite its high proof, it is gentle on the nose and presents a sweet oakiness along with hints of cherry syrup that come out the longer you inhale. Behind it all is a vanilla and toffee creaminess that holds holds the nose together. The palate is dry and chewy with soft but spicy cinnamon warming the mouth, all while there is the toffee creaminess while hints of maple and orange oil make an appearance. The finish is long, chewy and cinnamon spicy with dry oak that lingers as the sweeter notes fade leaving behind the slight string of orange oil. This release goes a bit softer on the drinker compared to its higher proof releases, but the lower proof gives way to being able to more savor what it has to offer. It would be desired to have the sweetness keep more of the spice in check on the finish, but is excellent to sip on all the same.

Make sure to prime yourself. I had a couple of other drinks before. N(4): vanilla bean and vanilla cream. Floral. Super sweet Cherry. Slight almond nuttiness. Cinnamon P(4) sweet sugar bomb then I’m fighting the proof and can’t pull any addition flavors. Added a drop of water and got massive amounts of cherry. Oak dryness F(5): strong hug and coat of vanilla. Sweet herby molasses. Heavy and long. Butter. Not complex but powerful

Oh this is good stuff. Long finish, super rich, sweet. My fave bottle of the year