Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Seems to be a lot of ups and downs on this one. Tried it once after opening and again a few days later. Both tastes were neat, one in glencairn and second in rocks glass. Nose - sweet, like candy in a glass, vanilla, brown sugar, cherry, getting the marshmallow, but not as strong as some suggest, has some smokiness to it, and little bit of oak. Palate - marshmallow and cherry quick up front, but quickly milds out with oak, barrel char, some vanilla, definitely has a smokiness to it, and some pepper. I can see why there are references to s’mores, but it doesn’t have the level of sweetness I would expect from a s’more. Would almost describe it as a less sweet Cherry Vanilla Coke flavor on the front end. To me this does not taste as sweet as it smells. Not very oily or buttery, fairly light texture. Finish - moderate, pleasant, cherry and oak, little bit of cinnamon, still hang on to that smokiness, even a little bit of clove. Empty glass smelled like that next morning campfire where you’ve got the mixture of the wet grass and those few remnants of coals still smoking, that brought back some memories. I don’t agree with the expert review on the spiciness at all. I got some spice, but overall thought it was extremely mild. There is some complexity to this one. The nose to palate really threw me, I was expecting a lot of sweetness, but the oak and smokiness real toned it down. I personally really enjoyed this. I do recommend letting it open up a little bit, in the few days after opening the 2nd glass had a bigger flavor profile. I would absolutely buy again. This will probably be a favorite for fall and winter time.

Reminds me of a cross between Woodford DO and Col Taylor Seasoned Wood, more “real” and less syrup. @Kyle-Metes-Randolph

S’mores on the nose and taste.

The color is a very deep, very dark amber that only leaves a thin coating of oil on the glass with the occasional leg coming down. The nose gives you the hint of typical Elijah Craig but you are greeted up front with strong, charred oak. That takes you into cherry, toasted marshmallow, vanilla, graham cracker, bacon fat and touches of burnt brown sugar and caramel. The palate has a semi rich mouthfeel, not quite hitting the corners of the mouth. It starts off with bacon fat and barrel char, before moving into vanilla and a palate that generally lacks the complexity of the nose. The finish is medium with lingering charred oak, vanilla and burn brown sugar. It fades quicker than you would want and leaves you desiring a bit more.

Banana. Graham cracker. Apple crisp. Char.

I don’t get the overwhelming cracker/smores deal that people say they get with this but it’s elevated the base profile of ECSB substantially; leather, sweet, dark chocolate.

I mean, damn! It’s just a good bottle of bourbon. If you like Woodford D.O., you will like this! Marshmallows, caramel and vanilla with a hint of oak. For $44.95, it’s a winner! Definitely don’t understand the hate this one is getting.....