Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B519

A little background

Here we are like clockwork with another of three yearly batches of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.  This one interestingly is the lowest proof entry in the label’s history coming in “at only” 122.2 Proof. I’ve recently reviewed the fantastic batch A119 that clocked in at 135.2 proof, so I am very curious how this lower proof entry stacks up after such a strong entry into the series.  Just like always, this batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is bottled at cask strength, without chill filtration, and most importantly (in my opinion) carries a 12 years age statement. Retail price of around $55.

Color

Medium Chestnut

Nose

More floral than I’m used to with ECBP with a heavy dose of rose water.  Almond paste and brown sugar round out the floral notes.  A little musty oak way in the background.  

Palate

Surprisingly delicate vanilla bean, burnt sugar, and the ever most slight hint of the floral notes that jumped out on the nose.  

Finish

Oak dominate with sandalwood.  Fairly short, tannic, and dry. 

In closing

I’ve been on record as stating that ECBP B519 is “dangerously drinkable” and what I meant by that was it was tasty and deceptively easy to drink for what is actually a high proof.  Chalk that up to the long cask maturation and distillers knowing what they are doing. SO with that said, this scores slightly lower than my of ECBP reviews based on the comparatively flat finish for a whiskey that associate with long and deep finishes, but with the reduction in proof I could see this being many peoples’ favorite ECBP.  Lesson of the day is you cannot go wrong with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.