Hannah’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A119 Review
Original review written February 18, 2020
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Another solid Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Note that the ABV is quite high; I’d only recommend this to skilled whiskey drinkers. And I would recommend. Read my Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A119 Review here! 92/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Heaven Hill Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Small Batch
– Age: 12 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=78%; Malted Barley=12; Rye=10%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– Non-Chill Filtered
– ABV: 67.6% (135.2 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho
Visit heavenhill.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here
SETTING:
On a cool day, curl up on a big and cozy leather sofa with a blanket and a glass of A119. This glass is a picture of comfort and warmth, perfect for autumn. Don’t forget to turn on a little jazz to enjoy your pour.
Photo by Timothy L Brock on Unsplash
NOSE:
The rich and deep oak is very apparent along with assorted grains. I find plums here too, which mixes with both black and white pepper. I get powdered ginger that couples specifically with apples. There is a dark vanilla also that matches with a leathery essence, giving this nose some grip.
A woody caramel somehow takes all of these flavor teams and combines them into a warm and exciting profile.
While the alcohol burn is prominent, it isn’t as overbearing as one might think.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: Very big and oily, full of texture.
– Balance: Not too many flavors here when enjoying it neat, but the balance is still solid.
– Visual: This is old oak in color, and has long legs clinging to the sides of the glass; however, there is no crown.
– Taste: Naturally, the alcohol is very strong, so take note. This is typical of Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs – be cautious.
Even though the alcohol is forward, plenty of other flavors are discernible. Dark vanilla custard and fruit blossoms keep the juice sweet, making the black pepper and rye that knock the sweetness back exciting and enjoyable.
Continuing to sip, I find caramel red and golden delicious apples and cherries, which is a very pleasing flavor combo.
The oak is still a strong presence in the sip as well, especially the char, which makes the whole sip have a natural chew and texture to it.
A Kentucky chew highlights a cinnamon component enough to be the dominant and only distinguishable flavor/sensation. (It should go without saying that the burn is strong.)
Overall, there are not an abundance of flavors on the taste. The ones that are here though work very well together, and I am very happy with the offering.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: This one definitely has a very long finish; the warmth settles in absolutely everywhere. It can also certainly give you a tight Kentucky hug if you’re not careful, so again, be careful!
– Between Sips: Chocolate surprisingly sits at the back of the tongue between sips, along with some cherries. It’s quite nice, and I’m happy to pause and enjoy each sip to its fullest.
– No More: As I progress into the glass, I find mostly just a bourbon warmth that overtakes the fruitier flavors, but it’s still very enjoyable.
The empty Glencairn remains spicy, but the oak nevertheless dominates, leaving only a happy warmth in my chest.
WORTH THE PRICE?
Given the heat and the seasonal release, it may not be for everyone, and there will always be another opportunity to experience Elijah Craig seasonal releases. It just might not be A119. Personally, I enjoy this bottle a great deal, and I’d be willing to buy it again. If you’re a collector of the Barrel Proof releases, this one is certain to make a great addition and it comes with my recommendation!
RATING: 92/100
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