Big shout out to the Citywide Liquors group in the South Bend area for this store-pick opportunity. These guys did it right, and drove down to physically pick out the one they liked best, or so I was told. Technically, that makes this “small batch” a single barrel, though the proof still comes in at the standard 94. I get caramel and mild floral notes on the nose. Body is fairly simple but pleasant, with caramel and lemon zest. Finish trails off with a deep orange citrus note akin to some booker’s. Now I’m not trying this back to back with the standard small batch at 1 pm on a Saturday because I have a problem. I’m doing it for Science. Science. In general, from the nose to finish, this store pick is less muted and cleaner in the message it’s trying to deliver, which makes a lot of sense if you think about it. I wouldn’t say this store pick has a unique flavor profile as much as it has amplified highs and lows of the flavors you’d expect from a small batch. This store pick is good, but I don’t think you need to drive to South Bend to experience what I’m experiencing. And what I mean by that is this: if you’re an Elijah Craig fan, I do recommend trying a store pick at some point from your local store, but I wouldn’t fall for the sticker game here. Overall, this store pick is a fun twist on a classic bourbon, and I would assume that other store picks would be equally intriguing.