Some belated protection (apologies) is nigh for the final two of the three Heaven Hill Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases for 2025. I swear, guys, it’s powerful to maintain up. The excellent news is you’ll nonetheless have ample alternative to select up each of those releases, ought to both overview resonate along with your tastes.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B525 (Could 2025) Evaluate
11 years, 6 months outdated — one of many older releases in latest reminiscence, and one of many extra well-rounded ones. Woody and austere on the nostril, it smells such as you’re settling into an outdated leather-based chair at your favourite lounge, oiled wooden throughout. Mild notes of tobacco and menthol add some spice, however it works properly with the in any other case barrel-forward presentation.
The palate takes all that wooden and massages it with layers of applesauce, spiced cider, marzipan, and a few sesame. The fruit builds significantly, leaning exhausting into apple and baking spice, till it finds a end that dries issues out — maybe overly so, abandoning a dusty frontier high quality that evokes late-game notes of rosemary and sage. Touches of cloves and anise linger as all else fades out.
Whereas it’s actually savory in its general method, this ECBP launch gives a journey that’s in any other case unusual within the Barrel Proof lineup, taking you from the barrel to the orchard and again once more. It’s not essentially the most advanced within the sequence, however it nonetheless has loads of attraction accessible for a blanket advice.
126.2 proof. A- / $85 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925 (September 2025) Evaluate
A wee babe at 9 years, 1 month outdated. Once more, the barrel dominates the nostril, however this time it presents a really savory, beefy high quality that doesn’t really feel as lush and enveloping as B525 does. Mild greenery and a few vegetal, turned earth components amplify this impact, culminating in aromas of black pepper and rosemary torched on the grill.
The palate is sizzling, nearly scorching, with lots extra wooden to pour onto the fireplace, together with hearty notes of cinnamon and cloves. Dried banana chips and dried apples add a frivolously autumnal really feel, however neither is dominant, with darkish chocolate and a few creosote constructing because the end approaches. I knew I wanted to do this whiskey with water, however this wasn’t the revelation I’d hoped for. Tempered, the chocolate notes pop extra clearly, however some much-needed vanilla and caramel components stay obscured beneath a bit an excessive amount of smokiness. The result’s nearer to a toffee that’s cooked for too lengthy and has burnt a bit across the edges. That may be enjoyable in the appropriate context, however right here it’s finally a bit one-note.
129.0 proof. B / $85 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye
USD55
Visited 59 instances, 59 go to(s) at present
