Saturday, February 15, 2014

Review #6 - Elijah Craig 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon



The Elijah Craig 12 Year is simply the best price for a quality bourbon whiskey that you'll find in the market, bar none. It is an absolute hidden gem. Distilled at Heaven Hill in Bardstown Kentucky yields us a great all around Bourbon. I visited Heaven Hill in October 2013 and I was floored by the enormous stock of aging Bourbon in their vast rickhouses. What I took away from that trip, aside from the amazing smell of the angel's share, was that we'll have this whiskey on the market for a very long time. And that makes me extremely happy.

The question that I keep asking myself when it comes to EC12 is how in the world does it stay on the market at such an inexpensive price point? It makes no sense in the context of the global whiskey boom where prices are being driven higher and higher. I've been able to purchase this whiskey for as low as $24 when it has been on sale. A 94 proof whiskey at under thirty dollars is a killer deal.

Heaven Hill also releases various age statements of Elijah Craig in their ultra premium category such as an 18, 20 and 21 as well as a barrel proof version of the 12. However it is the standard 12 Year old that is so easily accessible and also so easily drinkable.

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 47%

Mashbill - 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley

Age - 12 Years.

NOSE
Lemon
Green apple
Light vanilla
Graham Cracker
Floral notes
Caramel

PALATE
Dark chocolate
Light mint
Dark roast coffee
Tobacco leaf
Toasted oak

FINISH
The finish is a nice long slow burn. At 47% it has medium legs and is relatively viscous. The most surprising thing on the palate and finish for EC12 has an exceptional earthy flavor. It has a wonderful blend of oak and tannins that is very rich but not overly sweet like other Bourbons.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
I really like Elijah Craig 12. It is one that I purchase regularly and the value that you get for the money is outrageous. This Bourbon is big and bold and will challenge you with its nose and palate so it is not for the feint of heart. That being said it is an overall great Bourbon.

PRODUCT RATING 
3 out of 5. You'll be able to find this Bourbon in most cases for under $30 for a 750ml bottle. If it is on sale then pick it up. You will not be disappointed.

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

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