Like the vaunted 23 the Elijah Craig 18 years is a single barrel and returns to us after a 3 year hiatus due to a lack of stocks. At this point in time I’ve been drinking (sipping not shooting) whiskey for over a decade and this is only the second time I’ve been able to try the Elijah 18 because the first 5 1/2 years of my whiskey exploration occurred in Utah which isn’t exactly known for its wide selection and tolerant attitude towards imbibers.
My first impression of the Elijah Craig 18 occurred about 2 years ago at the end of an eventful night. I remember enjoying it, but the details are a bit fuzzy and I didn’t take notes. This 2015 release of the Elijah Craig 18, on the other hand, was tasted without feeling quite so fuzzy and notes were indeed taken. There is a similarity between both occourances though, and that similarity is that I like it.
Elijah Craig 18 years Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New charred oak
Age: 18 years
ABV: 45%
Price: $120
Elijah Craig 18 years Review
EYE
Varnished wood
NOSE
Dark fruit, oak and a bit of spice come through first followed by an accompaniment of vanilla, chocolate orange and a minty menthol note.
PALATE
Dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, oak, spice and more of that chocolate orange note. A bit of astringency and mint show up again.
FINISH
Long and sweet with notes of dark fruit, oak, spice and vanilla.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent balance, full body and a warm smooth feel.
OVERALL
Elijah Craig 18 years is one of those whiskeys that have been on my to-do list for quite a while and it didn’t disappoint. Sure I helped a friend kill off the last 3 oz or so of his bottle about 2 years ago, but it was at the end of a long night and all I recall is that I liked it and wished it was still in the shops.
Being a single barrel product the Elijah Craig 18 years experience will change a bit from barrel to barrel with some being richer than others. It had all the hallmarks of a good Heaven Hill whiskey and I enjoyed it, but it didn’t blow me away; I’d love to try another barrel though and see how they compare. Regardless, Heaven Hill puts out tasty whiskey and the Elijah Craig 18 years is a good representation of the tasty whiskey they make.
SCORE: 87-89/100 (consumed at a tasting, not at home)
