Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

The nose is rich in caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and rye spice. Black pepper, oak, and a touch of the alcohol also comes through. Call me crazy but I also get a hint of ripe pineapple and black cherry that creeps in. The sweetness of the brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel immediately make themselves known on the palate, with the rye spice sneaking in to say hello at the back of the throat. Also present is a pleasant semisweet chocolate note that lingers on the roof of the mouth. The finish is average but creates a salivation sensation wanting for the next sip. There is a complexity here that bats well above its price and proof range. I am a big fan of this offering and am immediately aware of why the claim of Gateway Bourbon is given to this bourbon. Overall impression: Nose 4.25/5; Palate: 4.25/5: Overall 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Daily Drinker

Unquestionably good. But is it 50% better than Jim Beam Black? No. So it loses on value. And it's worse than Buffalo Trace. So it loses in its own market segment as well.

Mash Bill 70% Wheat 12% MB 10% Rye Now on my second bottle I am really starting to appreciate this bourbon. Nose is a bit sharp with a sawdust and touch of leather. Palate has a spicey heat that sticks around all the way to the back. That initial sweet vanilla taste at the front quickly gives way to a nice balance of heat and spice. The finish is warm. I am now concluding his whiskey closely profiles one of my favorites Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. This will go into my regular stock.

The finish on this is a little hot a good one to sip.