Heaven Hill distills some of my favorite bourbons, so it is somewhat insane that I had yet to try the Elijah Craig Small Batch that seems to be a well-regarded label. Thankfully, the long passed Reverend Elijah Craig, patron saint of the charred oak barrel (if you believe the legend), smiled down upon me and matched up a free shipping credit with an online retailer selling the ECSB for $5 less than the state minimum. A bona fide beverage blessing from the benevolent bishop of bourbon, I bled a bottle to the brim of a beaker, breathed in a beautiful bouquet, and binged Bardstown booze. The nose is classic bourbon through and through with creamy vanilla, bruleed caramel, and toasted oak, not to mention the faintest hints of chocolate and coffee. A light and fairly dry mouthfeel brings with it a palate that is sweet upfront with the taste of candied apples. A surprising cinnamon tingle begins quickly, and on the way down the sip heats up into a beautiful black pepper warmth. The finish is long with oak, leather, and tobacco dominating and mint lifting everything for a refreshing end. It would be a lie to say this is my favorite of the Heaven Hill labels, but this is still a very good bourbon, and when you consider the outstanding quality to price ratio this is one to add to your collection for sure. Sip it neat or use it as a mixer, this bourbon can play any position.