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Elijah Craig 15 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Elijah Craig finally drops a 15-year single barrel at 108 proof for under $150. Is this the age-statement bourbon we've been waiting for? Here's our full review.

OVERALL RATING

9
$200
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

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Elijah Craig has announced its first-ever Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon, a new addition to the brand’s premium single barrel lineup. The expression, bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV), is now available nationally with a suggested retail price of $149.99.

The Bardstown, Kentucky-based brand, owned by Heaven Hill Distillery, described the release as a higher-proof offering crafted for drinkers seeking robust and complex flavors. It is the first 15-year-old expression in the Elijah Craig single barrel range.

“This release reflects the craftsmanship and tradition that has defined Elijah Craig for generations,” said Conor O’Driscoll, master distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery.

“We were looking for exceptional depth and character in our first 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, and it delivers at a proof that enhances its natural complexity,” O’Driscoll added. “The result is a bold yet refined whiskey that is approachable enough to be an all-evening sipper.”

The 54% ABV carries a deliberate nod to May 4, 1964, the date the United States Congress officially recognized bourbon as a distinct product of the country. That congressional resolution reinforced production standards still in effect today, including the requirement that bourbon be aged in new charred oak barrels.

The bottle I reviewed was barrel #10
Appearance:
Clear Tawny color with semi-slow legs that hold to the glass. Tasted neat in a Glencairn.
Nose:
Rich full complex nose on this!! Needed extra time to open up fully.

Rich oak and sweet sugars, burned caramels, red fruit compote over vanilla ice cream. The 15 years really works as the flavors are balanced against a lovely oaky charcoal that provides depth without taking away from the sweet.
Palate:
It just keeps coming with a big complex body. We explore the darker sweets of red cherries, cheesecake crumb, wood tannins, and dark cigar wrapper. All molded together in a palate that evolves as it warms on the tongue.

You’ll want to revisit this as it takes time to set-up. There is nice heat, no doubt, but also baking spices, brown sugars.
Finish:
A great transition between body and finish, this is a good linger with woodier profile and some spice: white pepper, baking spices, finally arriving. Otherwise you still get the nice red fruits and warm burn in the chest with this.
Comments:
Really, really good. What excites me is the proof and age. I think 12-15 years is a great spot for bourbon especially. This absolutely gets the benefit of that age. What also excites me is we are finally seeing new age statement items at or above 12 years that don’t ask $200+.

I certainly wouldn’t push down an old lady for this, but I might speed walk past her if I saw it on the shelf (and had the change to purchase it). You’ll like this bottle. Share it freely when you want to impress your whiskey friends. This should be a special occasion bourbon, but I don’t think you’ll want to wait that long between pours.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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