Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B520

A little background

There is a magical time that comes around every four months when Heaven Hill releases a new batch of it’s very affordable and very tasty 12 year aged Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. The batch number reviewed here is B520 (B=second batch of the year; 5=May; 20=year 2020). Retail price for Elijag Craig Barrel Proof Batch B520 is around $65.

(Tasted neat from a Tuath Glass)

Color

Medium Amber

Nose

A very distinct honey soaked beeswax dominates the nose with a bit of dark chocolate hiding underneath. Nutmeg and cinnamon are also present, adding a nice “bite” to the experience.

Palate

Rarely do I find a unique and distinct note carry over from the nose to the palate, but here the honey soaked beeswax on the nose is carbon copied onto the palate. A pleasant heat swells in the form of a sweet cayenne pepper.

Finish

The heat dies down into a lingering white pepper sensation. Slightly sweet vanilla joins the white pepper to finish off a unique pour with a familiar and classic bourbon profile.

In closing

It’s hard to argue with the value that is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, cask strength 12yr old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at $65 is unheard of from any other distillery these days. On average the whiskey in their batches are superb with the 2020 batches being deliciously unique (A with its leather and cherry pipe tobacco and now the honey soaked beeswax of batch B). So in summary pick up a bottle, or more, if you see it.