Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Overview
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is an innovative expression from the renowned Heaven Hill Distillery, designed to elevate the classic bourbon experience through a unique finishing process. Launched in September 2020, this bourbon is part of the Elijah Craig lineup, built upon the legacy of its Small Batch counterpart but enhanced with the influence of custom toasted oak barrels.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| ABV | 47% |
| Mashbill | 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye |
| Release Info | Introduced as an extension of the Elijah Craig range, it aims to enhance the traditional profile with new flavors from toasted barrels. |
| Age | Aged for a minimum of 12 years, similar to the standard Elijah Craig Small Batch. |
Good to know
The Toasted Barrel expression utilizes custom toasted oak barrels from Independent Stave Company, which are subjected to a carefully controlled toasting process before being charred. This methodology aims to extract deeper flavors and aromas, while remaining true to the bourbon's original character.
Tasting notes
- Nose: The aroma reveals rich notes of caramel and vanilla, complemented by a subtle smokiness that emerges with aeration.
- Palate: On the palate, a robust profile unfolds with dark chocolate, baking spices, and a hint of dried fruit, enhanced by a spicier undertone that distinguishes it from its Small Batch sibling.
- Finish: The finish is lengthy and warming, featuring a bittersweet interplay of oak and spice that lingers delightfully.
Notable details
- Production: Finished in custom toasted barrels, which allows for a complex layering of flavors while adhering to the straight bourbon guidelines.
- Lineage: As a part of the Elijah Craig family, this bourbon draws comparisons to similarly finished products like Michter’s Toasted Barrel, yet maintains its individuality with a unique mashbill and aging process.
- Comparison: Often compared to Elijah Craig Small Batch, the Toasted Barrel expression amplifies certain flavor notes while introducing new dimensions, though some reviews suggest it may not fully eclipse the original.
- Availability: Initially released on an allocated basis, it has gained traction among bourbon enthusiasts and is now more widely accessible.
Serving suggestions
- Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its complexity, or with a splash of water to open up the flavors. It also serves as an excellent base for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, showcasing its rich character.
"The Toasted Barrel finish adds intriguing layers to the classic profile but results in an uneven experience that doesn't surpass the original Small Batch." – Adventures in Whiskey
Closing
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is a compelling exploration of toasted oak influence, offering a rich and complex twist on a beloved bourbon classic.
Sources
[1] Adventuresinwhiskey – "Review: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel"
[2] Bourbonguy – "Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel — BOURBON GUY"
[3] Drinkhacker – "Review: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon"
[4] Bourbonpaddy – "Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Finished Bourbon (2020) Review"
[5] Bourbonbanter – "Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon Review & Tasting Notes"