A Tale of Two Labels

From the Heaven Hill Distilleries, comes the limited edition Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.  This small limited release bourbon is a "cask" strength and came in 129.7 proof, 137, and 133.2 proof.  When I say comes in three proofs, does not mean you get to choose which one you want.  In fact, when they first bottled this limited release and since it was in a "small batch", it was bottled at 129.7 proof.  The next batch came at 137 and the latest is at 133.2 proof. The most recent batch, Heaven Hill changed the labeling.  Unlike the first two batches which shares the same label as it's sister bourbon Elijah Craig Small Batch at  94 proof.  So for those looking around, keep an eye on the proof, one might be hiding in the regular 94 proof bottles.


Price point: $45 to $60 retail. 

Collectors Market: Around $150


Per Heaven Hill:
Tasting Notes:
Color: Deep Amber
Aroma: Caramel with oak, fruit notes of apple and orange
Taste: Caramel, vanilla and butterscotch along with spices of black pepper and cinnamon in the back of the palate
Finish:  Nice layered finish of all flavors, fades slowly with a hint of cool spearmint

My Take:
Tasting Notes:
Color: Deep Amber
Aroma: Rich caramel with oak of course, Not over powering like some Cask or Barrel Proof Bourbons.
Taste: Hazel with a strong oak Caramel and a slight hint of vanilla.  The spices of black pepper are notably strong.    
Finish:  Strong finish, sure to keep you warm in the winter.