Elijah Craig Small Batch Single Barrel Select

Have you ever tasted a spirit that made you question your own palate? One that forces you to second-guess your usual judgments? A dram that makes you reach for familiar bottles just to confirm your senses are still functioning correctly? Elijah Craig Small Batch is a budget bourbon that many drinkers respect. For around $30, it's said to offer a flavorful experience with caramel and vanilla notes. However, it's been ages since I've been willing to spend that much on an inexpensive bourbon. Over the last year, my interest has shifted towards unique spirits, those ephemeral bottles that disappear as quickly as they appear, fleeting encounters that leave a lasting impression without any guarantee of a return. What draws me in are terms like “limited distribution,” “single barrel,” and “exclusive.” While I know many stores stock Elijah Craig Single Barrel Select and it's typically released annually, the “Single Barrel Select” designation makes it stand out to me compared to the standard “Small Batch” that forms the core of a brand's offerings. Here, the Single Barrel Select costs $13 more than the Small Batch, and I was hesitant to spend that much on Elijah Craig, even a special bottling, when a bit more could get me something I preferred, or for just $20 more, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Prices vary by location, but when I found a Circle Liquors pick for what I recall as $32.99 at the shore in July, I grabbed it along with some other regional finds. As a collector, I don't always open bottles immediately. This past weekend, while watching my beloved Philadelphia Eagles struggle against a superior KC Chiefs team, I opened this one with my dad, expecting it to have an autumnal character with caramel and vanilla notes, suitable for the approach of October. And the result? I was underwhelmed. Calling the aroma subtle would be generous; it's indistinct. I could detect faint traces of caramel and vanilla, barely perceptible sweetness, only after considerable effort, masked by an overwhelming grain presence. It wasn't harsh, but certainly nothing to rave about. The body was so light it was practically nonexistent, with almost no discernible flavor. Again, I could find hints of caramel and vanilla, but I'd hoped this bottling would live up to the praise I'd seen in other reviews of EC Single Barrel Select. Full disclosure: I usually provide the spirits when my dad and I watch football. I dedicate more time to researching bourbon, often finding interesting bottles. Also, after all he's done for me, I feel he shouldn't have to pay for a drink when we're together. He often brings something, though, and this week he offered Wild Turkey 101 Rye. Perhaps switching to a lighter spirit like EC Barrel Select afterward wasn't a fair test. A heavier preceding dram might have influenced the taste, or maybe residual water from rinsing the glasses affected the EC Single Barrel flavor. We tried to rationalize. “It’s not a bad bourbon,” we kept telling each other. And when you repeatedly say “It's not a bad bourbon,” it means you're trying to convince yourself you didn't waste your money. “Maybe letting it breathe will help,” I suggested. After a glass of this, we moved on to Writer’s Tears Copper Pot, as the amount of that spirit was dwindling and the current one wasn't holding our attention. Now, a few days have passed, and it's had more time to aerate. And the verdict? The aroma remains muddled, with the grain now being the dominant flavor, overshadowing everything else. The finish is sharp and raw. I recall reading that Elijah Craig's primary offering used to be a 12-year expression, but they shifted to Small Batch due to supply constraints. Apparently, the 12-year stock is now reserved for their Barrel Proof line, while Small Batch uses blends of 7-9 year barrels. I also read that Barrel Selects are often more compelling due to their predominantly 8-9 year age and exclusion of younger components. So, what happened here? My guess is that the Circle Liquors selection was significantly younger. Could that explain its lower price compared to the 8 or 9-year-old bottles available here? I've had excellent and disappointing bourbons, and I can confidently say this one isn't working for me, meaning I'm reluctant to admit I purchased a subpar bottle. Now I need to decide if the remainder of this bottle can be used for cocktails. Given its grainy profile, I'm uncertain unless specific recipes exist for spirits with such characteristics. Alternatively, I might revisit it occasionally, hoping something clicks, but overall, I'm let down. It's challenging to assign a star rating when I'm this displeased. One and a half stars because it gets you intoxicated and isn't as offensive as the worst spirits I've encountered (it's better than white whiskey)? That's not my goal, though. I'd be keen to try the bottles others here have reviewed; it seems that with a good selection, you can get a solid bourbon. However, I won't be risking my money on this particular bottle again. Picked by: Circle Liquors Barrel Serial No.: 5844241 Rickhouse: HH Floor: 5

Tasted blind, one ounce straight in a Glencairn. Elijah Craig Single Barrel Select (no age statement), bottled in 2019 for Orange County ABC (47% ABV, opened 6 months, cost $29.95 in NC). Henry McKenna 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond, Barrel No. 7279, barreled 05-29-09 (50% ABV, opened 8 months, cost $39.95 in NC). Nose: Whiskey A: Robust cinnamon and caramel, vanilla cream, moderate oak, rye, and ethanol, light brown sugar and toffee, faint dark fruits. 8.5/10. Whiskey B: Honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, chalky dried fruits and corn powder, light oak and peanut, very faint ethanol and rye. 7.5/10. Palate: Whiskey A: Surprisingly subdued on the tongue, I expected more given the nose. Light caramel and vanilla, faint corn powder, light oak and spice. 6.5/10. Whiskey B: More pronounced oak and ethanol, spicy, mild caramel sweetness, dry cereal without added sugar. Could benefit from more fruit and sweetness for harmony. 6.5/10. Finish: Whiskey A: Oak and tannins are prominent, rye and baking spices, light vanilla, a medium-short finish. 6.5/10. Whiskey B: Dry and tannic, lingering oak, corn powder and cereal, a medium finish. 6/10. Drinkability: Whiskey A: 7/10. Whiskey B: 6.5/10. Overall Score: Whiskey A = 28.5/40. Whiskey B = 26.5/40. Whiskey A is Henry McKenna 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond. Whiskey B is Elijah Craig Single Barrel Select. This comparison was a bit unexpected. I bought several bottles of the Elijah Craig because I really liked it and thought it was an excellent value at $30, or even $27 during sales in 2019. I initially disliked the Henry McKenna when I acquired it in December 2019, finding it too astringent and having an artificial chemical scent and taste. However, I believe it has significantly improved after being open for a few months. Both expressions showed better on the nose than on the palate, especially the Henry McKenna, which smelled fantastic. It was disappointing on the tongue, while the Elijah Craig offered a bolder flavor profile but was a bit too dry and tannic. Both represent great value. I typically use my 40-point scale for my ratings. On their own, I would probably rate them closer to 3.75-4.

A 10-year store pick, 94 proof, from the 6th floor of the rickhouse, costing only $25. Do you enjoy Elijah Craig? If not, you ought to. Give it a try, maybe. Try a barrel pick, I suggest. How many have I sampled tonight? Enough to mock Dr. Seuss. Bright legs with teardrop trails that pause halfway down the glass. Sharp oak, cinnamon, anise, cigar wrapper, fresh cherries, vanilla, and brown sugar with a hint of tangerine. Thin body, immediately corn-forward and sweet, followed by instant heat, cinnamon, coriander, and cayenne, then buttered and roasted pralines leading to a subtle, two-dimensional wood and vanilla finish. The empty glass emits notes of oak, creamsicle, cinnamon, and tobacco. Absolutely worth every penny. This cost $25. Buffalo Trace would be defeated if it encountered this bottle. Honestly, it's remarkably close to Old Ezra 7-year Barrel Proof, which is spicier and less oaky but costs twice as much. Frankly, the wood combined with the thin palate makes this an excellent, full-flavored yet lighter sipper. This isn't a bourbon that inspires profound, existential contemplation. It's a bourbon you drink, savor, and then go about your business. I'll be filling a flask with it, alongside 30 cans of Natural Light, as I head to the Indy 500 tomorrow because, damn it, it's summer and I need to FEEL the thunder of an unrestricted Honda twin-turbo 2.2L V6 jolt me back to life after this past year, and a 120+ proof in the heat simply won't end well. Give it a go if you're inclined, I say!

Following months of sampling many new spirits, I chose to revisit a familiar favorite. It feels like reconnecting with an old buddy, simply savoring some excellent bourbon. I previously appreciated the old 12-year single barrel expression, considering it a fantastic deal. They mentioned an inability to produce enough 12-year stock to meet demand, leading to a small-batch product (comprising roughly 10,000 barrels aged 8-12 years). I enjoyed it, but I missed the previous 12-year version. Now, the 11-year store selections have emerged. I'm quite fond of these, and I've encountered some 13-year picks. At $33, they offer exceptional value. This particular bottle, sourced from Total Wine, evokes memories of the old 12-year, if one can recall that far back. The aroma immediately presents buttered popcorn and vanilla, with a noticeable nutty character. As it evolves, a hint of herbaceousness and rye spice emerges. Although the aroma usually influences me more, this bottle truly shines on the palate. It delivers classic bourbon notes: vanilla, maple syrup, toffee, and that nuttiness, complemented by a slightly bitter oak undertone and subtle baking spices, all harmonizing beautifully. The alcohol is subtle, with only a slight numbing sensation on the lips. It unequivocally states: 'I am bourbon.' Can you perceive contentment? That's what this offers, along with a pleasant, dry finish that invites another taste.

Barrel number 5195665, from the 5th floor, Rick A. It has aged for 12 years and was selected by the Heaven Hill Master Distiller alongside Durham ABC. It has been open for 7 months. On the nose: Peanut brittle, candied apples, subtle vanilla, a grainy corn presence, assertive oak spice, and a hint of ethanol. On the palate: Caramel, vanilla, oak spice, toffee, baked cinnamon apples, with hardly any ethanol detectable. The finish is medium, featuring more dry oak and rye spices than initially perceived, along with diluted caramel and vanilla bean. I typically encounter 9-10 year Elijah Craig store picks these days, so when I learned from Bull City Bourbon Club about a local 12-year selection, I immediately bought it. The standard 94 proof Elijah Craig is not my usual choice due to its proof, but it consistently performs well against other bourbons. I consider it one of the finest traditional bourbon examples available, and these high-age store selections are hard to beat at $30. For comparison, I also have a Blanton's. It costs twice as much (if you can find it at suggested retail), is almost the same proof, and likely has slightly more rye than this Elijah Craig. When tasted side-by-side, they are quite comparable on the nose and palate. While the Blanton's bottle is visually appealing, you're wasting your time and money searching for it when options like this are readily available on shelves.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Single Barrel 9 Years Old *Aroma: Still a bit sharp even after a 15-minute rest. I detect cinnamon, barrel spice, and a barnyard funk. *Neat: Similar to the aroma, it's harsh. It seems much stronger than 94 proof. There's a thin vanilla bean sweetness at the beginning, some bitter oak in the middle, and cinnamon and bitter tannins at the end. A strong warmth spreads through the chest. Very little complexity, if any. With significant effort, I can discern some orange oil and black licorice. I enjoy the slightly musty oak coating on the palate, but not much else. *With a Splash: A little water significantly improves it. It mellows the aroma slightly and reduces some of the bitter tannins, but it's still overly potent for its proof. Another addition just results in vanilla water with a burn. *Conclusion: A major letdown. I had high expectations. I can't recall the last time I purchased a bottle of regular Elijah Craig, but I have ordered it at restaurants or bars. I don't remember this level of heat and bitterness. This specific barrel's flaws should have been blended out. Hopefully, it will work well in a Whiskey Sour, as that's likely where most of this bottle will end up.