Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig 12-year circa 2000 (pre-fire) - 94 Proof
Experience the legacy of a bourbon pioneer with Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This hand-selected, small-batch expression delivers a complex and exceptionally smooth taste, crafted by time in charred oak barrels. A true testament to tradition, it’s a family secret meant to be shared.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A rich and inviting bouquet of caramelized sugar, golden honey, and warm vanilla immediately greets the senses. Underlying notes of toasted oak, baking spices – particularly cinnamon and nutmeg – and a hint of dried fruit, like apricot or fig, add complexity. A subtle thread of leather and tobacco leaf speaks to its age.
Palate: The palate is remarkably smooth and full-bodied, delivering on the promise of the nose. Initial sweetness of brown sugar and maple syrup is quickly balanced by a robust oak presence and a gentle spice kick of black pepper and clove. Dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a touch of orange peel emerge in the mid-palate, showcasing its depth and maturity. The texture is velvety and coating.
Finish: The finish is long, warm, and exceptionally satisfying. Lingering notes of sweet oak and vanilla fade gracefully into a pleasant, drying spice. A faint echo of dark fruit and charred wood persists, leaving a comforting warmth that beckons another sip. There's a beautiful interplay between sweet and savory, a testament to its 12 years in wood.
About the Distillery
Heaven Hill Distillery, the parent company of Elijah Craig, is a storied name in Kentucky bourbon, known for its extensive whiskey inventory and adherence to traditional methods. While the brand is named after the Reverend Elijah Craig, often credited with inventing charred barrel aging, the modern Elijah Craig is a product of Heaven Hill's expertise and commitment to quality.