This is a review of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batch B519. These notes are taken from several tastings over the past three months. This is one of (if not The) best bourbons I have ever had. ECBP is a 12 year age stated bourbon from Heaven Hill. This batch is bottled at 61.1% ABV. It pours a gorgeous dark amber and leaves a thick oily coating and long slow legs in the glass. The nose has dark molasses, brown sugar, chocolate cherries, caramel, vanilla. A veritable explosion of dark sweetness. Very little alcohol considering the ABV. Water has very little effect on the nose. In the mouth there’s more of the same plus dark chocolate and burnt sugar. Mouthwatering. A sweet bomb. Heat on the back end but not overpowering. Water makes it richer, more buttery. Just fantastic. The long finish has notes of chocolate covered cherries, oak char, tobacco, leather, and black pepper. Water brings out more baking spices. Either way you get a big Kentucky hug. Like I said, this is one of, if not the, best bourbons I’ve had. I really can’t find anything wrong with it. The only one that comes close to this is Bookers. The only Bookers batch I’ve had had an odd note of green oak, so this definitely has the edge. On top of that this bottle was a mere $55 online which makes it an absolute steal. I’m giving this 4.5 plus an extra quarter point for value. 4.75/5. Cheers!