Elijah Craig Barrel Select
62.5% ABV
$25 (200 mL)
NOTE: This is a bottle sold in Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center gift shop. I couldn’t find any information about it on any Heaven Hill web-site. The bottle, intended to be a small barrel but I’ve heard it referred to as a “grenade”, indicates the name, the proof, and that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
What Gary Says
Nose: Sweet caramel with notes of leather under a rough edge with a hint of eucalyptus.
Palate: Warm, creamy sweet, banana nut bread (but light on bananas), cocoa with a dusting of cinnamon.
Finish: Moderate in length with a lingering sweetness.
Comments: On the nose this screams Heaven Hill’s house style, which for me is caramel with a bit of eucalyptus (many get mint, but for me it is a bit different). As a non-age stated member of the Elijah Craig family, comparing it to its siblings might not be fair – but what else could we compare it? There is a familial resemblance for sure, and while NAS I would guess this is maybe 6-9 yrs old (I don’t get “young whiskey” notes, but it isn’t nearly as oaky or complex as the former 12 yr age stated version). I picked this up in their gift shop, and thought it was a “gift shop exclusive” – but Google seems to think different stores offer this for sale – so perhaps not. The bottle is cute, and it was an inexpensive pick-up – although considering it only has 200 mL of bourbon – it isn’t a bargain. I think if you’re there and want to pick up a nifty souvenir – this might be well received. If you’re a fan of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and hoping to get that bourbon in a smaller vessel – I expect you would be disappointed.