Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 Review

Elijah Craig is my favorite representation of Heaven Hill Whiskey. At the current NAS “8 years” it’s good, at 12-years-old it’s great and at cask strength, it’s absurdly good which is what the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 is. The first 2018 release of 12-year-old, cask strength, HH whiskey. How do I know this? It’s all in the code.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118

Deciphering the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch codes is a pretty straightforward task. The letter tells us which release it is starting with A, then B and so on; ours says A so it’s the first release. The second number is the month it was released in; since this one says 1 it was January. The last two numbers are the year it was released in; 18 = 2018. And there ya have it, Elijah code breaking 101, now on to the review!

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 Review: Details and Tasting Notes

Released several times a year by Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a killer whiskey worth every penny... at MSRP. This particular release is Batch A118.

In Heaven Hill’s Words: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118

Each batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is an uncut Small Batch of 12-year-old Bourbon bottled straight from the barrel. The variance in proof from batch to batch presents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of the angel’s share and the resulting proof in a small batch of barrels.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye & 12% Malted Barley
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 65.3%

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Batch: A118

Price: $85

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 Tasting Notes

EYE
Dark coppery red

NOSE
Oak, dark fruit, leather, baking spice, candied citrus, cocoa and a light bit of Smarties and rye bread.

PALATE
Oak, cocoa, leather, rye spice, candied citrus, peppercorns, roasted nuts, grain and bits of vanilla and cinnamon.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, spice, leather, vanilla and cocoa.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great, full round body and an oily feel.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 Review: OVERALL

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A118 Review

BAM! This is my favorite Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (batch A118) since the Hazmat bottling. The aroma is oaky with a nice balancing sweetness and a low alcohol kick. The palate is darker and denser with a heavier slab of oak and sweetness. The finish is a balanced fade of rustic and sweet.

This is a nicely balanced bourbon that’s heavy without being overbearing and without any killer heat. It’s a brooding and tasty whiskey I’m looking forward to drinking more of.

SCORE: 89/100 (B+)