Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C919

I document the initial and final pours from a bottle to observe its evolution as it airs out. This represents the final serving from my ECBP C919, a bottle I've savored. Served in a Glencairn, neat, after a 20-minute rest. Nose: Abundant vanilla, the brown sugar persists but the vanilla evokes the finest cupcake frosting, with minimal ethanol, which continues to impress me. Palate: Significant heat initially (which I enjoy), a medium-thick texture, absence of nutty notes, and the oak and brown sugar are greatly muted, balanced by an emerging cherry. It presents as potent yet harmonious, with no single element dominating. Finish: An extended, warm conclusion filled with Red Hots cinnamon and vanilla, which gradually fades. Overall: The finest bottle of spirits I've encountered. To me, this embodies the essence of whiskey, masterfully bridging contemporary and classic profiles. It was excellent from the first taste and only improved. Grateful for acquiring a second bottle, though opening it will require a significant occasion.

Color: deep golden brown, nearly opaque Legs: They form at the very edge of the glass and slow unexpectedly, but once they gather (relatively spaced out), they move quickly. Nose: Despite the high proof, it's extremely sweet with lots of oak, butterscotch, and some chocolate. It's difficult to keep your nose in for too long as the proof stings with any deep or prolonged inhalation. First Sip: It's like drinking caramel syrup; if you let it linger on the front of your palate, it doesn't burn much. As it moves to the back, hints of oak and floral notes emerge. Taste: It's incredibly sweet and oaky for a very high proof. It's so smooth, making it quite dangerous. You can discern the proof, but it's not overpowering. Finish: A slight burn on the first taste or two going down, but the lingering flavors tempt you to take another sip. Some vanilla and a hint of butterscotch remain on the tongue. Considering the price/value, proof, and taste, it's hard to find much better.

Nose - The aroma suggests some good aging. Plenty of green apple Jolly Rancher and musty book leather. I appreciate the age that comes through. There are also some tobacco notes. Palate - Spicier notes emerge. A baking spice collection of nutmeg and allspice is revealed. It then transitions to oak and leather book. It's chewy, yet simultaneously coated in caramel. There's some heat and a bit of astringency, but it's very sippable without water. With water, a taffy apple flavor comes through! Finish - Long and oaky. There's a slight bitterness, but it's not off-putting. The finish doesn't fade quickly. Overall - This is one of the most complex batches I've sampled. On one hand, the nose is fantastic; on the other, it verges on excessive oak. It doesn't cross the line, but if you dislike a somewhat drier finish, you might find that's its weakness. I personally enjoy everything it aims to achieve. Water helps release more of the delightful aroma.

The aroma is dominated by spice, including pepper, cinnamon, and clove, followed by oak, leather, campfire smoke, brown sugar, and vanilla, with a hint of caramel sweetness. It becomes much more subdued after only a couple of minutes of breathing, allowing for the exploration of softer notes. The palate is dry and chewy, filling the mouth with a wave of pepper and cinnamon that gradually intensifies. It is balanced by smooth oak and a subtle yet sharp sweetness from vanilla and brown sugar, almost like molasses. As you chew, you detect hints of smoke and a lingering leathery aftertaste. The finish is medium-long with a persistent spiciness and an almost buttery note that keeps you engaged. It is very full and robust, showcasing the best of what this label can offer.

Opened for 4 weeks. Nose: Charred vanilla, strong maple caramel syrup with alcohol, gingerbread, pronounced oak, and noticeable ethanol. Palate: Thick sweetness, like crème brulee mixed with maple syrup, festive fruitcake, dried grapes, and a berry stew. The lingering finish is rich and smooth, with increasing warmth from the alcohol and oak, though it's manageable for the proof. The mouth feels coated in a sweet, cinnamon glaze. Coincidentally, the nearest liquor store to my job had a case of C919 a year after its release. This was the last 2019-2020 ECBP I hadn't purchased, so I promptly got one, considering it was among the most praised ECBP batches recently. It lives up to the hype and delivers all the anticipated characteristics. It's comparable to C920 and A119, yet B520 still holds the top spot for me.

First time tasting with a bit of water added. Smell - Hints of vanilla and spices, with pepper also present, suggesting significant spice. It smells complex with heat. Taste - The heat is immediately noticeable upon contact with the tongue. It's quite complex, but heat is the most defining characteristic. Pepper, floral notes, vanilla, and spicy elements are present throughout the tasting, and it surprisingly ends with sweetness and smoothness. General Impression and Worth - This is one of my initial barrel proof experiences. I anticipated some heat, but this was nearly overwhelming for me. It's very complex with all the flavors, but I could do without the intense upfront heat. I do appreciate that this bottle is becoming more accessible. It's in the $60 range where I am, and I found it in several places.