Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B520

Back to back with Stagg Jr 14. This is equally robust on the nose and maybe a hair darker in color. The nose, however, is more musty with a hint of wet wood and roasted peanuts. The strong caramel/vanilla notes are there with allspice and a bit of leather and cherry. This has more ethanol burn, which surprise me. Mouthfeel is about the same, slightly viscous and a smooth heat. This has more up-front vanilla and wet wood. The vanilla and cherries carry over to the finish and the oak jumps in and out. I feel like this is a bit more nutty and fruity and less earthy and buttery. Spice and heat are about equal with this being more allspice and Stagg Jr being more clove and pepper. Make no mistake, both are hot and full of flavor. I think that to pick between the two would be like choosing which child I love more. I’d probably take ECBP A119 over either but would be happy to go down fighting with either of these.

Rich sweet cinnamon, apples.

Notes of caramel cream and vanilla on the nose, vanilla wafers, very creamy on the palate, baking spices, as well as a hint of apple pie. Sweet, strong notes of orange, burnt sugar, creamy mouthfeel, chewy like caramel. A deeply satisfying pour.

Unbelievable

I get coconut and baking spices on the nose. The palate is like cinnamon apple pie and quickly coats your mouth. Long finish and that’s where I get the char. Really excellent whiskey neat, and I’d be excited to try this one in an old fashioned too.

Nose honey, coconut, vanilla, oak, spice. Pallet heavy cherries, little blackberry, honey, oak. Finish is long with oak and blackberry.