Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A118 Review
written on 31-August-2018, updated December 2018
ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A118 REVIEW:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A118 (ECBP A118) is bottled at 130.6 Proof, and is not for the faint of heart. But for those who are willing, the reward is a mature flavorful treat. Released in January, batch A118 was the first ECBP bottling of 2018.
ECBP A118 is a strong, sweet, high proof and flavorful bourbon. At $60 bottle (USD), it is well worth the purchase … if one is into big oak, sweetness and high proof. Recommendation: Find yourself a bottle.
ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A118 VITAL STATS:
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Classification: Small Batch Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye & 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 65.3% ABV (130.6 Proof)
Non-Chill Filtered
Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho
Learn more at https://heavenhill.com/.
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, from a Glencairn glass.
ECBP A118 NOSE:
I let this sit about 10 min before bringing it to my nose; the alcohol is there, but not as prevalent as one might expect. The initial blast of fresh buttery oak richness was followed by a great deal of sweetness. The caramel, brown sugar, butterscotch and vanilla are well blended with cinnamon and baking spices.
ECBP A118 PALATE:
Bourbon heat is there but it fades fairly quickly and is followed by rich, buttery caramel sweetness. Pleasant fresh cut oakiness gives way to deep pepper-like notes with lots of vanilla and a hint of mellow stone fruitiness.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
As of this posting, ECBP A118 is one of my my all-time favorite bourbons, and I will be sad when the last dram fades away. While there is plenty of bourbon heat, the old oak colored nectar is buttery and rich with a noticeably creamy mouthfeel.
ECBP A118 FINISH:
For a high proof bourbon the finish of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A118 is smooth; there is the expected bite and general warmness but little burn. The finish dissipates fairly fast, leaving a memory of rich blended woody caramel sweetness which readies the mouth for the next sip.
COMPARISON NOTES:
During the Christmas Break of 2018, we held a tasting event with three iterations of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbons: C917, A118, and B518 – all fine bourbons on their own. For my senses, ECBP A118 reigned supreme, followed by B518 with C917 coming in a close third.
ECBP A118 RATING: 93/100
Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
While this ECBP batch is no longer in production, if seen on the shelf, take it or any of the barrel proof Elijah Craig offerings home.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 93/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Elijah Craig.
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