Elijah Craig Small Batch Single Barrel Select

Elijah Craig Small Batch Single Barrel 9YR *NOSE: A bit harsh even after a 15 minute rest. I get Cinnamon, Barrel Spice, and Barnyard Funk. *NEAT: Like the nose, it is harsh. It seems a lot hotter than 94 proof. There is a thin Vanilla Bean Sweetness on the Front End, some Bitter Oak Mid-Palate, and Cinnamon and Bitter Tannins on the Backend. Big KYHug glowing in the chest. Very little, if any, complexity. If I try really hard, I can pull some Orange Oil and Black Licorice out of it. There is a palate layering coating of Slightly Musty Oak that I like, but not much else. *SPLASH: A capful of water really helps. It softens the nose a bit and reduces some of the Bitter Tannins, but man this is still overly hot for its proof. Another capful and it’s just Vanilla Water with a burn. *VERDICT: What a disappointment. I really had high hopes. I can’t remember the last time I bought a bottle of regular Elijah Craig, but I have ordered it when dining out or at bars. I don’t remember this heat and bitterness. This barrel definitely should’ve went into the batch to have its flaws blended out. Hopefully it’ll make a good Whiskey Sour, because I believe that is where most of this bottle is headed.

2017 Release A balanced, barrel proof Bourbon from Kentucky that has a sweet birth with notes of nutmeg & cinnamon toast, that led to a layered & complex death with a hint of mint & spice. October 2017 / July 2022

BWG Pick, Barrel # 6902174 A light easy sipping Elijah Craig single barrel pick. The flavor profile is pretty similar to the standard offering with light caramel, suble vanilla, and the typical Elijah Craig oak notes. The finish is light, with only a light oak remaining.

Received a blind sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: A marzipan note dominates the nose with some dark fruit and caramel underneath. Palate: Oak and baking spice give way to a spicy clove note. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. The clove note lingers. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7.5/10 - I feel like I’ve had something similar before. The strong oak and clove in the palate makes me think this is an older expression, but it could use more heat in the finish.