Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C918 (2018)

We review Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C918, the last high proof version of this popular bourbon for the 2018 cycle that clocks in at a hearty 131.4 proof.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Elijah Craig Barrel Strength (Batch A119)

Tasting Notes

About:

12-year-old cask strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey released at 131.4 proof in 750ml bottles. Mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley. Retails between $60-100 depending on the market.
Appearance:
Has a reddish hue to it, similar to a Manhattan cocktail.
Nose:
Substantial caramel notes upfront that cover the high proof rather well. There is a brightness to this whiskey, but somewhat subdued by a creamy heaviness. Notes of dill and baked maple work together to round it all into each other.
Palate:
Oaky, with floral notes and cherries throughout. Mildly creamy mouthfeel that fades fast on the finish, which is long but light. This bourbon becomes spicier with a couple drops of water and unlocks some chocolate.
Finish:
Comments:
By my account Heaven Hill has once again given reason to believe in their Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series. This is a high-proof offering that nearly any whiskey drinker could enjoy. Barrel proof whiskies are admittedly not for everyone, but Elijah Craig Barrel Proof could be a great way to introduce somebody curious into the category of cask strength whiskey. A side-by-side of the same whiskey neat and just a couple drops of water is fun with any cask strength whiskey, regardless of your knowledge level.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Forrest C. Price

Forrest is deeply involved in various aspects of the whiskey industry. He contributes his writing talents to The Whiskey Wash, shares his expertise through classes on diverse whiskey styles, and serves as the Brand Ambassador of the West Coast & Kentucky for Joseph Magnus Distillery. Prior to these endeavors, Forrest honed his skills as the Whiskey Advisor at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, DC, the largest whiskey bar in the Western Hemisphere. In this role, he expertly guided patrons through an impressive collection of over 2,700 whiskey expressions from around the world and meticulously managed the extensive inventory. Forrest hails from Louisville, KY, the heart of bourbon country.

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