The Reverend Elijah Craig is credited (though far from proven) to be one of the first to put whiskey into charred oak barrels, so pretty much “inventing” bourbon. True or not, Elijah Craig products, produced by Heaven Hill, are some of the most popular expressions available today. Their Small Batch Bourbon is the regular release of this 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye mashbill product.
For the Toasted Barrel release, they have taken the standard Small Batch and finished it in a new oak barrel that has been toasted then charred to bring additional sweetness and flavors to the bourbon. There is a great deal of hype over this release, so let’s see if it deserves it.
A light copper color with slow forming legs greets me in the glen. Immediately greeted by toasted marshmallows, brown sugar, and caramel apples. A couple of swirls and digging deep into the glen reveals some light earthy notes and very faint citrus. Overall, a very, very nice nose that invites me to take a sip.
That toasted marshmallow is still pretty prevalent on the first swallow with a surprisingly thin mouthfeel. Sweet caramel drizzled on graham crackers is what starts to really shine through on subsequent sips. Some great baking spice layers come in on the back end, but sweetness is the main player here. Fairly complex profile for a 94 proof pour. Very sweet forward, so if that isn’t your spot,
The finish is where the toasted barrel moniker really comes out. A very long finish that starts with spice that is hanging out from the back end of the palate that is replaced with a reappearance of the toasted marshmallow that sits very comfortably. The light rye spice is still there that enhances the finish. That being said, the length of the finish is solid, more than you would expect from a 94 proof low rye mashbill, but not nearly as complex as the palate.
At the end, this is a very good pour at the $50 retail price. I have seen this going for higher on secondary. Don’t pay it. It is a $50 bourbon all day long, no doubt. I like sweeter bourbons, so this goes right in my wheelhouse. If you don’t, get a sample from friend to see if the spice that is there holds your attention before you go hunting for it.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
5.9
Pros
- Great nose
- Price point is right in line
- Above average complexity
Cons
- Very sweet forward