Elijah Craig Small Batch is something I drink on a regular basis when I just want to relax. I was actually shocked that I didn’t have a review for this on the website when I was looking at the Barrel Proof versions I’ve reviewed in the past.
According to their website, “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. 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.”
Bourbon Review: Elijah Craig Small Batch
ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
Age: NAS
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
Location: Bardstown, KY (USA)
The Nose: Notes of caramel rise effortlessly from the glass where they are joined by vanilla bean and oak. Subsequent pulls of aroma see peaches, apricots and a subtle sprinkling of brown sugar. Simply put the aroma is as sweet as pie
The Taste: While the nose might offer more vibrancy than that of the palate it is still an extremely enjoyable pout. There are notes of vanilla, marzipan and oak on the initial sip. Subsequent sips see the marzipan replaced with peanuts, and the vanilla replaced with caramel. Oak remains constant throughout my healthy pour.
The Finish: The moderate, bordering on long finish sees toasted oak, white pepper and a touch of honey. Occasional sips see some brown sugar and cinnamon linger on the finish that I wish were around more often.
Conclusion: Having been an avid cigar smoker since 1998 I have become that guy that walks into a shop and asks what’s new. I am that guy that chases down limited edition. When I began this website which was primarily just bourbon reviews I told myself, I will not fall into that same trap. Here we are two years later and I am chasing bottles, looking for new releases and focusing on that when I can. Just like on the cigar I have my regular go to smokes that fail to get reviews, the same can be said for Elijah Craig.
It’s the only bottle I buy in the 1.75 liter format and when I am not writing a review and I don’t feel like pouring one of my limited or hard to find releases I always come back to this bottle. Even though it doesn’t factor into our review the price is right and I’ve never walked into a liquor store and not been able to purchase it. While I prefer 100 proof or higher, this 94 proof bourbon is one of my favorites to just disconnect from the world, fire up a cigar and relax for a pour or three.
Score: 90
Price: $51.99 ( 1.75ml Pictured) | $28.99 (750ml)
