Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 Review
written on 19-October-2019
ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B518 REVIEW:
The high proof of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP) B518 is definitely noticeable, but manageable as it carries blended flavors through rather than hiding them.
ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B518 VITAL STATS:
– Category: Small Batch Barrel Proof
– Region: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
– Distillery: Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery
– Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
– Barrel Char: #3
– Non-chill filtered
– Barrel entry proof: 125
– Age: nas
– ABV: 66.7% (133.4 Proof)
– Price $59.99 USD in Idaho
– Availability: Tri-annual Limited Release
Learn more at https://heavenhill.com/
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, from a whiskey glass with daughter and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Hannah.
Check out her review for this bourbon here!
NOSE:
The enjoyable bourbon aroma of rich buttery caramel wafts over heavy oak infused vanilla. There is a faint aire of caramelized apple pastry present as well. The high proof is nicely subdued.
PALATE:
The caramel and vanilla sensed on the nose is there, but only on the fringes. The tongue picks up intense cinnamon and a great deal of woodiness which fades to sweet and rich graham cracker pie crust. There is a fair amount of dry bourbon burn owing to the high proof which tends to mask more subtle flavours.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
The high proof of this bourbon presents a full mouthfeel which nicely cuts the sweetness. The warming sensation on the tongue and throat helps merge the flavors together. Be forewarned: holding this bourbon in the mouth for more than a few seconds deadens the sweetness and flavours.
FINISH:
ECBP B518 finishes with heat and a bold brown sugar sweetness, light vanilla and a heady woodiness. While the finish is long and warm, considering the proof, this bourbon has much less burn than one might expect.
COMPARISON NOTES:
During the Christmas Break of 2018, Hannah and I conducted a tasting experiment with three itterations of Elijah Craig Small Batch Barrel Proof bourbons: C917, A118, and the B518 – all fine bourbons on their own. For my senses, B518 was between the better A118, with C917 coming a close third.
MY RATING: 89/100
Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Elijah Craig.
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