Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - Single Barrel 11 Year
$80
Elijah Craig – Barrel Proof – Single Barrel 11 Year
Collection: Store Pick – GRBC & Party World Barrel: 5797333
Proof: 122.5
Age: 11.5
Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co – Heaven Hill
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye (Assumed)
Website: Elijah Craig Bourbon Company
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Damp Oak, Old Leather Book Store, Orange Citrus, Butterscotch, Cinnamon and Nutmeg. You can tell there’s a decent proof to this dram, but it’s sitting behind a very nice characteristic combination. This brings you back to the nose over and over.
Taste/Palate: You get a bit of the Alcohol upfront, but it hits the palate much less than 122 proof. On the palate there’s Citrus Zest, Mature Oak, Pipe Tobacco, Creamy Caramel, Fresh Leather, and some Grain Spices.
Finish: On the finish the alcohol mouthfeel returns, but it’s still less than what I’d expect from a 122 Proof. The finish is long and mature highlighting the Oak, Spices, Citrus, and a bit of Dark Cherry makes an appearance.
Verdict: From start to finish this dram delivers. You get a bold characteristics, fruit, age, but most importantly is has a nice balance. I like this single barrel better than the standard Barrel Proof that Elijah Craig offers, but don’t let that deter you from giving the standard option a go or find another Elijah Craig Single Barrel Option that’s likely on the shelf.
The Story: I don’t typically review Store Picks, but I do on a rare occasion. In this case I realized I haven’t put up a review on any Elijah Craig product even through I have multiple options at my disposal. The other reason I chose to do this was to put a spotlight on store picks in general.
If you’re a member of any bourbon group I’m sure you see the masses posting pictures of hype bottles, and they’re usually from the Buffalo Trace Line. I love Buffalo Trace products. They are great and they put out one of the best price points. This Elijah Craig bottle however is a reminder that there’s more out there. I have personally found 2 stores that constantly puts out great store picks on a regular basis. I pick them up as they come in and I don’t have to hunt for them. If I have a suggestion, check out some store picks and patron a establishment, and that’s the best way to get a line on some of the hype bottles.
The store a patron most often, I have purchased everyone of their store picks because they are great and I know I share the same palate of their tasting panel. If I bought the first one and it was a disappointment I would check out a store pick elsewhere.
The Distillery’s Story: “Reverend Elijah Craig was a Baptist preacher, an educator, and an entrepreneur who built the first paper and wool mills in Georgetown, Kentucky. But for all his industries, it was his gift as a distiller and an innovator that brought him his greatest acclaim. While we draw inspiration from parts of Elijah Craig’s story, his legacy will forever be stained by his connection to slavery. Like other Kentucky landowners of his generation, Elijah Craig owned slaves. Uncovering the roles of these laborers, how they contributed to the birth of the Bourbon industry and what happened to them and their families is a critical mission of our brand today. Elijah Craig is actively engaged in academic research and other initiatives to not just uncover the past, but to make America today a more just and equitable country.”
“In 1789, Elijah Craig became the first distiller to age his whiskey in new charred oak barrels. Some claim that an accidental fire charred his barrels and changed the whiskey inside. Others say he stored his whiskey in former sugar barrels and was impressed with how charring improved the flavor. However it happened, Elijah Craig knew he had discovered something great. He continued to refine the barrel charring process, imparting smooth, rich flavor to the spirit that would become known as Bourbon. 250 years later, he is still known as the Father of Bourbon—and we craft our Bourbon today using the same time-honored methods.”
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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