Category: Brian’s Whiskey Reviews

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522 Review:

reviewed 12-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 BOURBON REVIEW::

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522 (ECBP B522) offers an aroma which begins with mild ethanol notes, allowing delicate fruit blossoms and a medley of spices to come through. Its flavors of sweet corn, dark cherries, and confectionery delights, complement toasted pecans and smoky undertones. Spices of cinnamon and ginger intermingle with sweet and bitter elements, ending in a long, dry, and throat-warming finish. The flavors are bold, with a warming, balanced, and surprisingly smooth character. The complexity extends to the feel, where the liquid transforms in the mouth to become viscous and oily.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

Category: Small Batch Barrel Proof
Region: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Distillery: Heaven Hill/Bernheim Distillery
Mashbill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Barrel Char: #3
Barrel entry proof: 125
Age: 12 Years
Non-chill filtered
ABV: 60.5% (121 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: May 2022
Fair Price: $96.20 (BoozApp, Sep 2023)
Price: $69.95 (Summer 2022, Idaho)
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Batch number identifier: B522
▪”B” Second release of the year
▪”5″ Released in May
▪”22″ Released in 2022

Learn more at Heaven Hill.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Taken out of the newly opened bottle, the first one and a half ounces mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating the pours, four once review amounts went into Glencairn and a Weck. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 NOSE:

Despite its high proof, the ethanol notes of ECBP B522 are surprisingly mild. A delicate bouquet of light fruit tree blossoms mingles with inviting sweet corn, dark dried cherries, currants, raisins, mixed in a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper, and rye spice. This aromatic symphony is rounded out by light vanilla and a medley of candy corn, caramel corn, light brown sugar, buttery caramel, and nutty toffee. Nearly hidden, are toasted pecans and a touch of fresh-cut oak which add depth, while hazy toasted wood and smoky sweet undertones add complexity.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 PALATE:

At first sip, ECBP B522 delivers bold undeniable warmth which borders on hot, yet I sense a surprising smoothness. After my mouth adjusts to the heat, sweet corn jousts against the richness of dark dried cherry fruit leather blended with cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye. After the unusual pairing, hints of light vanilla counter burnt sugar and dark molasses. To add to the bitter, walnut notes emerge, accompanied by the presence of robust oak, which imparts a charred and ashy feeling that lingers on the palate.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP B522 leans slightly unbalanced and towards the dominance of wood. From the first mouthful, there’s a subtle tickle under the tongue, to indicate its potency. However, with time, the liquid becomes highly viscous and delightfully oily, coating the mouth in a luxurious texture which encourages saliva production. In the glass, a solid inverted crown, with regularly spaced, long clinging legs indicate richness and its burnt amber hue hints at depth and maturity.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522 lingers long after each swallow leaving a dry and throat-warming sensation which is surprisingly manageable, given the proof. As I contemplate, herbal notes emerge, accompanied by a blend of spices, including cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye. I sense dark molasses and hint of walnut, which add both a subtle sweetness and bitterness. And like found on the nose and palate, the strong and heavy oak presence with a touch of char and campfire ash is undeniable and add to B522’s depth.

MY RATING: 86/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 86/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 Bourbon

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 Review:

reviewed 11-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 REVIEW:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 (ECBP A122) offers diverse aromas, including an initial ethanol assertiveness. Then come sweet sherry, fruit blossoms, and a symphony of spices. Each sip delivers a subtle ethanol burn, dryness, and harmonious notes of sherry, sweet corn, ripe berries, and caramelized apple, enhanced by spices and decadent sweetness. ECBP A122 showcases a balanced interplay of wood, sugar, and fruit in a relatively creamy texture despite its high proof. The long finish unfolds with a subtle burn, evolving with hints of oak, spice, char, and leather, adding depth to the pour.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

Category: Small Batch Barrel Proof
Region: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Distillery: Heaven Hill/Bernheim Distillery
Mashbill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Barrel Char: #3
Barrel entry proof: 125
Age: 12 Years
Non-chill filtered
ABV: 60.4% (120.8 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: January 2022
Batch number identifier: A122
▪”A” Third (last) release of the year
▪”1″ Released in January
▪”22″ Released in 2022
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Fair Price: $105.49 (BoozApp, Sep, 2023)
Price: $69.95 (Spring 2022, Idaho)

Learn more at Heaven Hill.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Taken out of the newly opened bottle, the first one and a half ounces mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating the pours, four once review amounts went into a Glencairn and a Weck. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 NOSE:

Initially, ECBP 122 presents with an assertive presence of ethanol owing to the pour’s high ABV. As my nose acclimates, I sense sweet sherry and delicate fruit blossoms. As nose on, ripe berries and the freshness of caramel dipped apple slices, garnished with a single maraschino cherry and a squeeze of fresh citrus drift in. Then come spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and white pepper. These aromas form the backdrop for brown sugared pastry and crushed graham crackers. The sweetness continues as rich vanilla adds allure to caramel corn and toasted marshmallow dipped in buttery brown sugar caramel. As if these confections are not enough, cashew toffee makes an entrance. Behind the sweets, a faint touch of tooled leather fades in and out. And in the balance of aromas, dry oak sawdust counters a piney aspect, then intermingles with barrel spice, char, to add a touch of smoky sweetness.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 PALATE:

The first impression of ECBP A122, is one of dryness, accompanied by a subtle but noticeable burn attributable to the ethanol content. Notes of sherry become evident, as roasted sweet corn and ripe berries contribute harmony, while the presence of baked caramel apple adds a comforting sweetness. Careful sipping reveals more delicate fruit notes, including dark ripe plums and a hint of banana. The flavors awaken the spice cabinet, as cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, pair with rich undertones of vanilla. The flavor journey deepens with decadent brown sugar, buttery caramel, and macadamia toffee. As the tasting continues, sawdust and dry oak along with barrel spice and char, provide balanced depth. When the woodiness fades, a subtle memory of old books, adds a unique touch to this intricate flavor profile.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP A122 exhibits a solid balance of wood, sugar, and fruit. From the first sip, it immediately elicits salivation, indicating its well-blended aromas and flavors. The inital texture on the tongue is rough and gritty, adding an interesting tactile dimension to the experience. The body of A122 is notably creamy, although this quality can be a bit challenging to detect as the proof asserts itself. In the glass, a thin crown with inverted clinging droplets hangs above the burnt amber pool while after each sip, fast draining legs break from the rim.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 has a notably long and impactful finish. As each waft and sip is savored, I get a subtle, lingering burn, which gradually seeps down the esophagus, turning dry and warm as it passes. Be careful though; the ethanol presence may offer an uncomfortable Kentucky Hug, a warming embrace characteristic of high-proof bourbons. Avoiding this, the flavors of sweet corn and dark stone fruit continue to evolve, accompanied by a medley of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, while rich vanilla, brown sugar, buttery caramel, and toffee notes contribute a satisfying sweetness. Near the end of each fading swallow, the influence of dry oak and barrel spice, along with subtle hints of char and leather, add depth and complexity to the finish.

MY RATING: 92/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 92/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

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Woodinville Straight Bourbon

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Woodinville Straight Bourbon Review:

reviewed 10-September-2023
Click to hear the review on the WftA Podcast

WOODINVILLE STRAIGHT BOURBON REVIEW:

The aroma of Woodinville Straight Bourbon (Woodinville) is characterized by the absence of alcohol which allows individual components like corn, rye, and barley to come through. Common bourbon spices such as light cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper, rye play along with notes of caraway, and fennel. These work well with hints of rye bread and faint blackberry and cherry. In terms of flavor, the bourbon is dry and warm with dusty rye and barley notes reminiscent of dry grass. There is a subtle fruitiness from dried currants and raisins, and a touch of complexity from cinnamon, ginger, barley, and heavy rye influence. However, throughout the experience, wood is the star here … sturdy old oak, and accents of toasted wood, char, and wood chip smoke.

WOODINVILLE STRAIGHT BOURBON VITAL STATS:
Woodinville Straight Bourbon

Category: Small Batch Straight Bourbon
Region: Woodinville, WA
Distillery: Woodinville Whiskey Company
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 22% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
Cooperage: 18 month seasoned oak; barrels are finished with a heavy toast and heavy char
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: unpublished
Age: nas (said to be aged a minimum of 5 years)
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 26970
Fair Price: $52.02 (BoozApp August 2023)
Paid: $39.95 (Idaho, September 2023)
Unique bottle number identifiers:

“This truly small-batch bourbon starts with traditionally grown corn, rye and malted barley. All of our staple grains are cultivated exclusively for us on the Omlin Family farm in Quincy, Washington. The grains are mashed, distilled, and barreled in our Woodinville® distillery, then trucked back over the Cascade Mountains to our private barrel houses, where Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extraction of natural flavors from the oak.

Prior to being coopered, the barrel wood is seasoned in open air, rain, wind, sun, and snow for eighteen months, softening the wood’s harsh tannins. The barrels are then slowly toasted and heavily charred to further enrich the wood’s desirable flavors.

This meticulous process yields a truly hand-crafted spirit with aromas of crème brûlée and spice cabinet, as well as notes of rich caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla bean on the palate with a sweet, lingering finish.”

Learn more at Woodinville Distillery.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Alternate pours, equaling about four ounces each, were added into two Glencairns. I, along with my daughters Hannah and Elora, enjoyed the bourbon neat during the S02E01 WftA Podcast for this review.

WOODINVILLE STRAIGHT BOURBON NOSE:

At the first waft, I sense no alcohol from my pour of Woodinville. I do get notes of corn, rye, and barley, while a faint hint of berries (could they be blackberry) and  a whisper of cherry fade in and out. Spice of light cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper, and rye tickle my nose, however it is the oddness of caraway and fennel sneek which command attention, but they work seem to well with a suggestion of rye bread. Vanilla provides a touch of sweetness, which is nearly hidden by burnt brown sugar, caramel, toffee, and a welcome wild berry topped creme brûlée. The aroma also carries elements of wood, toasted oak boards, and char along with earthy undertones, which add depth.

WOODINVILLE STRAIGHT BOURBON PALATE:

Woodinville offers dry  warmth with little to no alcohol sharpness. Did I say dry? The taste is dusty as rye and barley blend into tall dry grass. Dried currants and stale raisins contribute a subtle fruitiness, while a blend of cinnamon, ginger, barley, and the ever present heavy rye adds a touch of complexity. I detect little sweetness on the palate, which is sad as the pour needs help to counter the Hazelnut notes and prominent sturdy old oak presence. And even more wood makes itself known as toasted boards, char, and hints of soaked wood chip smoke, further intensifying the wood-forward profile. As I take another sip, more dusty soil, dried grass, and strong earthy notes, add even more dryness to the pour.

Woodinville Straight Bourbon

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Woodinville exhibits an unbalanced character primarily driven by a pronounced wood influence, which does little to counter the dryness. The bourbon is easy to hold in the mouth, encourages salivation, and does offer an oily feel, yet I feel as though the offerin is diluted, which comes as a bit of a surprise given its texture. I wonder what a cask strength version might smell and taste like When observed in the glass, it forms petite clinging droplets. After each sip long, clinging legs gradually transition the leftover liquid back to auburn-colored pool.

WOODINVILLE STRAIGHT BOURBON FINISH

Woodinville Straight Bourbon has a medium length, dry, and warm finish without alcohol harshness. The finish lingers with with subdued notes of dusty grain and spices similar to those found on the nose and palate. After swallowing, hazelnut notes emerge, along with prominent ever-present heavy, strong oak. Hints of toasted wood and char further enhance the woodiness, while a subtle sense of soil contributes to the earthy finish.

MY RATING: 83/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? NO
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 83/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Woodinville Whiskey Company.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Woodinville Straight Bourbon
Woodinville Straight Bourbon

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