ELIJAH CRAIG 18YR BARREL: 7653 BOTTLED: 11/11/25 APPEARANCE: Rich, Dark Color bordering between 1.7 Burnt Umber and 1.8 Old Oak. Clingy with slow forming skinny legs. NOSE: Wonderful Nose of Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Clove, Vanilla Buttercream, and Toasted Oak. Very well balanced. NEAT: Initial tiny sips over the front of the tongue yields Sawdust, Old Oak, and Light Vanilla. Full sips bring out Light Bitter Tannins, Old Oak, Cinnamon, and Cherry Syrup. There is a dense coating mouthfeel that leaves dark notes of Musty Oak, Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, and Vanilla Coke. Nice warming KYHug and layering notes of Cinnamon, Clove, and Sawdust. That Musty Oak stays on the palate long after your done with the Dram. SPLASH: A dribble of water adds a little Butterscotch and Toffee to both nose and Palate and almost completely eliminates the slight tannic bitterness. In fact, the whole experience becomes a bit sweeter and brighter. Am I tasting Root Beer? There is almost a Floral Quality added to the coating finish now. Well done Heaven Hill. VERDICT: While purists may balk at adding water to a 90 proof pour of this age and price, I recommend trying it. It gives two unique experiences. Sometimes the Whiskey Gods just smile upon you as I walked into a nearby ABC to find a single bottle. And on payday, no less! I hope another bottle is in my future as this is a great Bourbon.