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.