Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B520

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B520 is distilled by the Heaven Hill Distillery and matured for at least 12 long years in a heavy charred new oak barrel. This bourbon is full bodied and intense throughout the whole experience accompanied by sweet and rich flavors and aromas. This was my first time tasting ECBP and was not disappointed; actually, it has become a new favorite. The is a must by for any serious bourbon lover. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B520 is bottled at 127.2 Proof/63.6% ABV. Color: Rich Mahogany The nose is incredibly sweet with intense aromas of apple pie, vanilla bean, cinnamon, fudge brownies, sweet cherries, and brown sugar. The palate is rich with the same level of intensity accompanied by continuing notes of apple pie, vanilla bean, melted caramel, cocoa, cinnamon bun, and a slight oakiness. The intensity follows through to the finish with notes of lingering cocoa, some oakiness, and some hazelnut.

When I grabbed this bottle I didn't realize that it bore a 12 year age statement, so that was a nice surprise. As I have noticed with almost every version of Elijah Craig I've tried, the nose on the barrel proof is so sweet. It's a wonderful mix of brunt caramel and vanilla. On the palate there's a brown sugar sweetness, and a nice smokey char flavor. I don't pick up much in the way of spice. Most of the heat comes from the proof, but it's nice and warming, not harsh. The finish is oak, leather, and a hint of dark chocolate. It's a long finish that's slightly bitter sweet.