Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batch 11

The aroma is intense but pleasantly full of dry oak, cherry, and floral rye spice. The heat quickly fades, leaving subtle notes of vanilla, cooked brown sugar, and a hint of sweetness. It's enjoyable to revisit, building anticipation for the taste. The sweeter notes become more pronounced as it airs, revealing toffee and cocoa for a constantly evolving experience. The palate is dry and somewhat chewy, coating the mouth with dry oak, sharp baking spices, and floral rye. The heat keeps any of the sweeter notes well in the background, but there's a faint, enveloping note of vanilla, cocoa powder, toffee, and cooked brown sugar. The finish is long and hot with a lingering rye spice, while the sweeter notes of vanilla and cocoa remain chewy in the mouth's corners. Toffee appears and disappears with a sweetness that helps manage the heat, and though it leaves the mouth dry, it strongly invites another sip.

Toasted caramel, butterscotch, and mint. Very good.