Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Elijah Craig 18 was a bottle that initially caught my eye early in my whiskey exploration. My interest in it only grew after trying the standard EC bourbon and rye, as well as various ECBP batches. This is the one. Nose: Caramel, nougat, vanilla, and toffee. Almond and pecan. Some apple, dried apricot, golden raisin, and a blueberry/blue raspberry candy note. Parfait. Peach tea. Clementine, tangerine, and even a bit of lemon citrus. Honey and bubblegum. Espresso. Cocoa. Black tea, a touch of pipe smoke, newspaper, and a trace of sawdust. Abundant oak. Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, toffee, and maple. Peach tea. Dried apricot and golden raisin. Apple cider. Cherry and even plum. Orange rind and tangerine/clementine. Bubblegum. More berry parfait. Almond, hazelnut, and pecan. White and black pepper combined with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and oak. Finish: Almond, hazelnut, and pecan. Gala apple, clementine/tangerine citrus. Caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar. Gala apple and cherry. Parfait. Black tea. Rye spice. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and oak. Moderate length. This lives up to the expectations I formed years ago. It is lively, delightful, and avoids the common criticism of being "over-oaked," which affects some older whiskies aged in warmer climates. Instead, the quality grain and careful aging process are evident. In fact, the flavor profile is on the lighter side for bourbon, especially for Elijah Craig. It is much more fruit-forward and generally sweeter than other EC expressions. At $200, I believe this was worth the investment. While that's a significant amount for anything, in the context of bourbons in this general age range, it's a bargain. This could have earned a perfect score if the ABV were slightly higher, but it comfortably sits at a 4.5.

For years I tried in vain to get my hands on a bottle of Elijah Craig 18. Then around Thanksgiving of 2021, I spotted a bottle behind the bar at West End Tavern on Pearl Street in Boulder, CO. It was almost gone, and I was given the rest of the bottle, even though it was a bit more than a standard serving. I spent the next 45 minutes enjoying it. Earlier this year I managed to find a bottle that the manager at my local store had saved for me. I've had it a few times, only sharing with friends I knew would appreciate it (including that manager). It's a clear, light mahogany color. The nose offers baking, fruity, and woody notes: Honey-Nut Cheerios, blueberry, apple pie, rosin, nutmeg, vanilla, and clove, finishing with a subtle menthol. These characteristics carry over to the palate, along with drying tannins that lead to a long finish highlighted by vanilla. Overall, this is a sophisticated, subtle, and understated pour, much like modern abstract art in its style, requiring some prior knowledge to enhance the appreciation. It's not flashy. If tasted blind, a connoisseur could identify it as an aged bourbon, but knowing it's a bourbon that has been aged for 18 years certainly encourages a deeper examination and appreciation. 4.5. My only regret is that EC18 isn't bottled at a higher proof. But the dilution might not just be an economic choice; because it has been in the barrel for 18 years, EC18 does have woody notes that perhaps benefit from some thinning. Barrel 5863, bottled 6.2.22. 45% ABV. P.S. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

For New Year's Eve, before enjoying some excellent champagne, I selected one of my all-time favorite whiskeys: Elijah Craig 18. EC18 is a thoughtful whiskey, ideal for reflecting on the past year and contemplating the future. While some older bourbons can develop a woody character, EC18 avoids this. It is refined and elegant. Although I'm certain I'd enjoy it even if tasted blind, knowing it's EC18 beforehand enhances my appreciation for its subtle complexity. I have enjoyed this spirit on several occasions recently (without taking notes), and each time, including this one, I identify similar characteristics: baked cinnamon apples, Honey Nut Cheerios, pomander, graham cracker, baking spices, and vanilla. On the palate, it is light and agile; not weak, but rather ethereal. The 90-proof complements the generous, complex, yet understated flavor profile perfectly. There's no doubt this is Bourbon (as I've noted before, it offers a gentle welcome, not an aggressive 'Kentucky Hug,' but more of a 'Bardstown Kiss'). The finish is extended, with the expected oak notes for an 18-year-old bourbon, along with its characteristic vanilla and caramel flavors.

Consistent with a previous tasting note (11/13/25). I don't usually consume such a fine bourbon this often; but with homemade sausage and meatball ragù on the way (tasting three excellent Chianti Classicos alongside it), and having already documented wine notes on an aperitif and another used for deglazing a pan, I desired an intermission drink. Not a disappointment, but close to splurging. Everything is relative. And following the wine, vanilla is the most prominent characteristic, followed by caramel and leather. The distinctive funk is in the background this time. The finish is long with peach, chocolate-covered cherries, more vanilla, subtle licorice and espresso, caramelized sugar. EC18 is a standard-setting, world-class bourbon and whiskey. It offers excellent value within the select group of spirits I'd place in that category (William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Pappy 15, Hibiki 17 and 21, Laphroaig Cask Strength, Macallan 18, various Springbank expressions, Thirteenth Colony Cask Strength, Michter's Barrel Strength Straight Rye, Blue/Red/Gold Spot, among others). I will give in to the temptation to splurge on this again soon, although, as I've mentioned before, I'm observing more of it available (don't inquire about the location).

Usually, you taste a lower-proof whiskey to get ready for a stronger, cask-strength version. Tonight, I'm doing the reverse. After a 2023 Pride Vineyards Chardonnay with dinner, and a 2024 Angel's Envy Cask Strength with pumpkin bread pudding and vanilla ice cream for dessert, I decided to bring out an old friend: Elijah Craig 18. I'll definitely need to go for a run in the morning before work. EC18 has a fantastic aroma. Besides the expected vanilla and caramel notes, and leather from its 18 years in the barrel, there's a funky, rum-like quality, similar to many Jamaican rums. There's also Honey-Nut Cheerios, a hint of spearmint, anise, and an unmistakable butterscotch that ties it all together. The palate has a light texture and that smooth Bardstown Kiss. A long finish with anise, apricots, peaches, and vanilla. Continuing my prior observations, I'm seeing more of this around. EC18, while not inexpensive, is currently one of the best deals for a rare bourbon. 4.75.

This bourbon is appearing more frequently. I recently purchased a bottle for $199, which seems quite reasonable when compared to others. I am a significant admirer of Elijah Craig. This particular bottling presents notes of vanilla, cherries, and graham cracker, alongside an oak presence that is surprisingly light. It feels smooth and delicate on the palate, revealing notes of cinnamon apples and more cherry fruit, followed by the lingering warmth of an evening cigar, then additional vanilla, cherries, and beeswax, culminating in a very lengthy finish.