Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Small Batch Bourbon Review
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Proof: 94 proof
Mash bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% malted barley
Age: NAS, likely 6-7 years old
MSRP: $50 (Probably won't find at MSRP very often, often allocated)
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Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes
Color: Burnt Amber
Nose: Sweet caramel, vanilla, apple piet, toasted/smoky oak. Fantastic nose!
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, fresh bread, dry toasted oak
Finish: Medium-length finish, lingering rye spice, and cinnamon
Feel: Moderate mouth coating with butter texture
See below for an in-depth review.
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
For all my tastings I use either the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass. They both are great for nosing and help in discerning more subtle notes.
In-Depth Review of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Heaven Hill
After the American victory in the Revolutionary War, pioneering folks were eager to explore new lands west of Appalachia. Virginia sweetened the deal by offering "corn writs" which granted them 60 acres a piece if they agreed to settle and start growing corn. Enter Elijah Craig - a Baptist minister who took that opportunity with both hands when he migrated to Fayette County (now part of Kentucky) securing 1,000 acres in a town named Lebanon.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a tribute to the Father of Bourbon, Elijah Craig. This unique whiskey has gone through an extra step for added complexity - it's twice barreled. After its initial barrel aging, this bourbon spends time in custom-toasted new oak barrels where it gains a sweeter flavor from the wood and becomes even better than before.
Nose
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon has a fantastic and inviting nose. It boasts warm aromas of buttery caramel and vanilla that can make you feel welcomed. There is also a hint of smokiness that almost rivals the sweet notes of apple pie, creating a unique experience for the senses. Not many bourbons can delicately combine these scents with as much grace as Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon. I love the nose.
Palate
The first thing I noticed when tasting Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon was its buttery texture; it wasn't too overwhelming, just enough to coat my tongue. The sweet caramel, vanilla, apple pie, and light smoke flavors were all discernible which created an interesting profile. I thought it could have been more intense but it still had an enjoyable taste and held its own regardless. I also noticed a subtle dryness that deducts from the palate a bit for me.
Finish
The finish on this small batch Elijah Craig bourbon is moderate in length, which gives you just the right amount of time to appreciate its delicate nuances. I picked up some subtle rye notes along with baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by a lingering toasted oak at the end - it was really enjoyable. Again the finish is slightly dry and does take away from the overall experience.
Feel
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel has a medium mouth-coating sensation and an extremely buttery texture.
Overall
With Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Heaven Hill has created a winner in my book. The first thing that hits you is its unique nose - The custom toasted charred oak barrels add sweetness and complexity. The nose is more inviting than most and it stands out. I would say the dryness on the palate and the finish were two slight disappointments, but overall I think this whisky is worth picking up if you can find it. It certainly ends as gracefully as it starts so even with these minor drawbacks, it still is well-rounded, and I enjoyed it! In my area, this one is usually allocated and hard to find at the store.
Check out my review of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (My favorite Elijah Craig Bourbon) here.
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
I would love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.
Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.