Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye (A126)
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Age: 11 years 11 months
Price: $64
Proof: 120.4
Mashbill:
• 51% rye
• 35% corn
• 14% malted barley
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Nose:
Much softer ethanol presence than expected for the proof and the heat feels like a nice compliment on the nose especially with some of the Rye notes. Opens with caramel, vanilla and dark fruit—maybe dates? Herbal rye notes—I get some mint, herbal tobacco and cinnamon.
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Palate:
Medium heat and drinks a tad less than 120 proof. I’m immediately hit with a tannic but complex and pleasant medium oak and dark syrup. Then a nice medium oily mouth feel. I get brown sugar and red fruit followed by pepper and clove. There is a constant background of rye spice like herbal tea.
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Finish:
Moderate to long finish. Spice lingers more than sweetness here but I do get a wave of dark sweet fruit at the end. Finished with a black pepper, mint, cinnamon and a dry oakiness that is present through the whole palate.
Rating:
Pass — wouldn’t buy again
Try — glad I tasted it once--only buy situationally or if the price is right.
Buy — happily keep a bottle around
Stock — consistently crave and replace
Hunt — memorable enough to actively seek out
I'll give this a Stock.
Essentially this means I'd recommend this as a valuable addition to a collection and tell others to buy it if you like high proof rye.
Comments:
I picked this one up because I’ve seen and heard a lot of good things about the barrel proof EC range. I’m glad I did! Lots of punchy flavors and a great nose. The age near 12 years shines through with the oakiness and darker sugar and fruit notes. It isn’t a kick in the face at 120 proof. The nose is complex and I got varying notes on each try. Overall, I feel this is a well executed, complex and balanced pour and this is a great bourbon drinkers rye.
At $75 MSRP and a shelfer this is a no brainer. Many other ~ 12 year aged whiskies are much pricier and no better I’m impressed with heaven hill’s construction and value on this one.
If you see it, buy it!
