Blind tasting - 1.0 oz neat in a Glencairn
Elijah Craig Single Barrel Select (NAS)
bottled in 2019 for Orange Count ABC
(47%, open 6 months, $29.95 in NC)
Henry McKenna 10Y Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond
Barrel No. 7279, Barreled on 05-29-09
(50%, open 8 months, $39.95 in NC)
Nose:
A - Rich cinnamon and caramel, vanilla cream, medium oak, rye, and ethanol, light brown sugar and toffee, light dark fruits
8.5/10
B - Honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, chalky dried fruits and corn dust, light oak and peanut, very light ethanol and rye
7.5/10
Palate:
A - Surprisingly muted on the tongue because I was expecting more with the nose, light caramel and vanilla, light corn dust, light oak and spice
6.5/10
B - Stronger oak and ethanol, spicy, light caramel sweetness, dry cereal with no added sugar, could use more fruit and sugar for balance
6.5/10
Finish:
A - Oak and tannins pop, rye and baking spices, light vanilla, medium-short finish
6.5/10
B - Dry and tannic, oak lingers, corn dust and cereal, medium finish
6/10
Drinkability:
A - 7/10
B - 6.5/10
Total Score:
A = 28.5/40
B = 26.5/40
A = Henry McKenna 10Y Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond
B = Elijah Craig Single Barrel Select
This one surprised me a little because I purchased multiple bottles of the Elijah Craig because I loved it and it was a great value at $30 or $27 during sales in 2019. I immediately disliked the Henry McKenna when I bought it in December 2019, it was too astringent and artificial chemical on the nose and taste, but I think it has greatly improved after being a few months open. Both of these were much better on the nose than on the palate, particularly the Henry McKenna which smelled wonderful. It was a letdown on the tongue, while the Elijah Craig had a bolder flavor but was a little too dry and tannic. Both are great values though. I use my score out of 40 for my Distiller rating. By themselves I'd probably rate them closer to 3.75-4.
39.95
USD
per
Bottle