Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

I compared this versus my old middle-shelf favorite, Jim Beam Extra Aged, which beat out fifteen other whiskies (no, I didn’t do this all at once). The Elijah Craig won. Compared to the Jim Beam (which is still a great everyday bourbon, by the way), it’s spicier, has a much longer finish, and tastes somehow both less artificial and less funky/earthy. Spicy even to smell, with a bit of honeyed pear sweetness, it’s zingy but full enough to be more than just “sharp.” It mellows out nicely with a warm blush of vanilla apple. I love its drawn-out finish. PS: I can’t say exactly why I got different flavor notes this time; could be relative to what it’s paired against. But it was excellent on both tries.

This is my regular weeknight bourbon. It's sweet, tastes of baking spices, and is rich with a touch of complexity for me. I enjoy it neat, and it makes a great old fashioned. I find it to be the most adaptable bourbon available to me currently. The alcohol content is good, it's accessible, and the warm baking spice flavor is precisely what I seek. Some mention it tastes herbal; I can understand that. It has some herbal qualities, but that wouldn't deter me. It's warm, sweet, balanced, and the large bottle is only $59 near me. It's an excellent starting point and good to have on hand.

Elijah Craig Small Batch is a dependable and reasonably priced bottle, offering what one expects from a Heaven Hill product. It surpasses its category with a well-rounded, flavorful character. While I don't drink it as frequently as other Heaven Hill offerings, I always appreciate it when I do. Nose: Herbal and spicy, with notes of burnt marshmallow adding depth. Palate: Sweet but not excessively so, featuring red fruits like cherries, subtle baking spices, and a hint of pepper. Finish: A gradual warmth that lingers, providing ample heat without being overwhelming.

I revisit this from time to time, wishing it would be at least okay. Most recently purchased from Costco for $23. I was a big fan of EC12 and knew their promise of a consistent profile would be broken. It has been. This spirit is immature, herbaceous, and simply not a pleasure. WT101, BT, Rittenhouse, Early Times, OF100, and OGD100 are all in a similar price range, often cheaper, and offer a more pleasant experience sipped straight. Considering my prior enjoyment of Heaven Hill products, this now tastes like a letdown. I will purchase another bottle in three years and, yet again, keep my fingers crossed.

I recently sampled Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon at a gathering and couldn't take notes at the time. I recall caramel on the nose and a strong caramel and some vanilla flavor on the palate. The finish was long and pleasant. I'll need to try ECSB again in an environment where I can properly document my impressions. While it's not among my top favorite spirits, I would definitely consider ECSB to be very good.

Served in a wide-bottomed lowball glass with one ice cube. On the nose, I detect ample caramel, apple, and a hint of smoke from the barrel char. The first sip brings more caramel, apple pie, and a smooth, sweet mouthfeel. This is quickly followed by smoke, leather, oak tannins, and a pleasing savory finish. Fantastic lingering flavors of fruit, herbs, and leather.