Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon

124.2 1x

Batch B517 (62.1%, May 2017 release) - I was very excited to try this when I found it in Miami after searching through 5 or 6 different liquor stores. This may be my platonic image of bourbon. Neat, the nose definitely hits you with the heat, but not in an unpleasant acetone way at all (the benefit of the 12 years that this barrel proof bourbon has aged). With a little water, which I prefer, there is a complex bouquet -- a word I hate, but which is perfectly appropriate here, as I get beeswax, spring meadow flowers, an oily or buttery scent, as well as the usual sweet caramel flavors and some sharper edges from the oak. The palate is so lively and transforms constantly as I roll each sip around my tongue and the sides of my mouth, with a thick, buttery mouthfeel and a lot of oak and toasted wood. The finish lasts forever and warms the entire mouth, all the way through the throat, with a nice honeyed touch. It has no burn, only a constant, growing warmth and tingle that just never leaves the mouth. Lots of wood and spice, especially cinnamon, throughout. Remarkable, amazing. Aberlour A'bunadh and Ardbeg Uigeadail were some of my first experiences with cask strength/near cask strength whiskies, and I'd rate this one several cuts above A'bunadh (of which I'm not the biggest fan). Bravo, Elijah Craig (it almost makes me forgive you for taking away the 12-year small batch, which was delicious and so much more obtainable).