We turn our attention to Whiskey Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B522 bottled at 60.5% ABV. At $60/ 750ml bottle, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
This opens with an aroma of sweet vanilla with bruised apple and a dash of animal hide. This has notes of brown bread and roasted grain. Theres a touch of straw and grassiness with a hint of cinnamon. The spirit has a numbing and minty effect on the nose likely due to the high alcohol content. Aeration brings forward the animal notes, veering into a note of clean horse barn and old leather. Personally, I found the proof to be a touch high for enjoying neat, but with time and a splash of water, the aromatics were extremely enjoyable. It tastes like a mature spirit, as it should, with intriguing aromas on the finish. Though the name may be surrounded in myth, its a fascinating foray of the history of American spirits. I humbly suggest sipping while reading some of the excellent deep dives into the history of bourbon linked above.
Palate
Fiery spice on the first sip, this is painful to the palate yet has a slinky feel to the texture. Theres a hint of tannin, but its buried under the sinus-clearing sting of the alcohol. Flavors are difficult to bring forward what with the burning of the taste buds. Theres a note of old wood and sawdust, giving this cantankerous spirit an aged and venerable impression. The finish fades into notes of hot iron, spun sugar, and damp charcoal. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B522 delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its $60/ 750ml bottle price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.
