Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel

My Price: $159.95

Country/Area: Kentucky, USA

Distillery: Heaven Hill

Proof/ABV: 90 Proof/ 45% ABV

Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10 Rye

Barrel: New American Oak

Age: 18 years

Nose: Wood, Caramel, Corn Dust

Taste: Oak, Ethanol, Sweet Cream

Review: It may not surprise you that it took me a handful of years to finally find a bottle of Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel but I was very excited when I did despite my low expectations. Although I tend to prefer 12 year and older Scotch Whiskies that is not the case when it comes to Bourbon. I find that 10-12 years tends to be my sweet spot and much more age than that tends to make it tannic and too oaky for my liking. This was almost the case with this bottle of 18 year old Single Barrel Bourbon from Elijah Craig. It drank hotter than I expected for a 90 proof that old and although it gives me slight bitter notes it does not seem too oaked. I was disappointed that it did not give off sweater notes that I find on the traditional Elijah Craig offering but I have just started into the bottle so maybe it will open up a bit over time. Cheers!

My Rating: Sip. If you come across a pour for a decent price at a bar or a friend offers you a sample it is worth having but not sure it is worth the $160 price I paid.

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!

Rating scale:

-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?

-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.

-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.