Appearance

Viewing through the lens of the Glencairn, the Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year is a medium dark amber.

Aroma

The nose is very inviting, warm and smooth. Front and center, big notes of caramel, vanilla, bread pudding and sweet cherries. There’s not much spice to this bourbon aside from perhaps a little bit of cinnamon coming through.

Flavor

The word I would use to first describe this bourbon is balanced. Wood, spice, sweetness and fruit, all compliment each other quite well without one dominating the other. Specifically, honey, vanilla, caramel, lightly charred oak, kitchen baking spices and berries.

Balance

Supreme balance. It’s honestly hard to believe this bourbon is 18 years old (and not an oak slaughter on the palate). I’d say the combination of 18 years and the 90 proof is perfect.

Finish

The finish is very nice. Slick and oily (but not buttery) mouthfeel. In regards to flavors, lightly charred oak and kitchen baking spices lingers on the palate from first sip to last sip.

Overall

The Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year is one of the epitomes of flavor and balance. And to do this with such an old whiskey makes it that much harder and brings a wow factor. Heaven Hill knocked this one out of the park proofing it down just right to 90 proof. The difficult part about a review like this is, most will unfortunately not be able to try it. It’s not only rare in general, this 2017 bottling will most likely not be in stores anymore (by the way, this is barrel no. 4398 for the real geeks out there).

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

8.25

Cost/Point

$18.18

Scoring System

Personal Spirit Review: Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year