Review #: 84
Description: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B519
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Along with the small batch bottle, Elijah Craig puts out 3 batches of barrel proof bourbon every year. Each batch does carry a 12 year age statement which has survived several redesigns of the bottle and label. B519 denotes that this is the second (B) batch, released in May (5) of 2019 (19). Let’s see how it tastes.
Distillery – Heaven Hill
Bottler – Heaven Hill
Brand – Elijah Craig
Selection – N/A
ABV – 61.1%
Age – 12 Years
Nose – Delicious cinnamon & oak, caramel corn, pancakes, good amount of ethanol sting
Taste – Sweet, cinnamon, caramel, oak
Finish – Spicy, cinnamon red hots but balanced with oak and leather
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: I’ll be honest, before doing this review I had tried this batch a few times and each time hated it and thought it was unbalanced and way too hot. Yet when I sat down this time, while there is heat, it’s pretty much the quintessential barrel proof bourbon. It’s reasonably priced and for me at least, is easily available. I’d prefer Stagg Jr., but this is a good stand in.