Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon (Private Label)

Texas Mart 2023 Pick - Aged 9y bottled at 121.1 proof Fresh Crack First Pour Nose: There’s the classic vanilla and cinnamon spice notes however I can’t help but notice a less-than-subtle hint of mint. Letting it breathe really opens up the sweetness and adds a strong aroma of peanut brittle. Much more complex than the other private barrels I have sampled. Palate: As always with ECSP it starts with a blast of spice, however this time that peanut brittle can be found lingering in the explosion. A sort of earthy or herbal note can also be found. The finish is extremely long and nutty. This is by far the best ECSP I’ve ever had. Extremely happy I could snag a bottle and excited to come back to it after a few weeks and see if it’s gotten better.

Hoffman’s Party Store/SWMBH 2023 Pick - Aged 9y bottles at 125.2 proof Nose: An extremely pleasant and sweet aroma with huge hints of caramel and vanilla accompanied with cinnamon spice. The longer you let it breathe, the sweeter the aroma becomes. Palate: Absolute flavor bomb. First is a taste of spice that explodes in your mouth, which then transitions to the sweetness found on the nose. It drinks a little hot at first - not too surprising at 125 proof - but after letting it breathe that heat turns into a nice Kentucky Hug. The finish is looooooooong and pleasant. This is a pour that punches you in the face. It’s full of flavor, however I struggle to pick out any discernible notes that surface from the nose.

Virginia ABC pick, 131.3 proof, 11 year Nutty, oak, caramel, cinnamon, leather. Mildly sweet, quite spicy. Fine to sip but nothing amazing.

11y, 131.3pf, Virginia ABC pick. Caramel, oak, nutty, cinnamon.

Violet Hour & Big Star: delicious 4.5/5 MN Whiskey Society: super oaky, but also nice and oily on the palate. Solid 4.25/5 Marshall Liquors Volume II Jake Varner and Matt Bell IYKYN: 5/5 no doubt

Nose: candy coated vinilla bean Taste: rich sweet, pepper, like a baptist fire and brimstone message that doesnt make me feel condemned

A carmel red hot out of a wooden pint at christmas