Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch is a premium bourbon whiskey produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, a renowned craft distillery based in Kentucky, USA. This small-batch bourbon is named after Reverend Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister and distiller who is credited with creating the first bourbon whiskey in the late 18th century.

History

Heaven Hill Distillery was founded in 1935, just after the repeal of Prohibition. The distillery is located in Bardstown, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country. Elijah Craig Small Batch is part of the distillery’s Elijah Craig line, which is named after the legendary Baptist minister and distiller who is credited with creating the first bourbon whiskey.

Production

Elijah Craig Small Batch is made from a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% rye, and 10% malted barley. The whiskey is distilled in small batches using traditional copper stills and aged for a minimum of 8 years in new American oak barrels. The barrels are stored in a multi-story warehouse and monitored and rotated regularly to ensure even aging and to prevent the whiskey from becoming too oaky or bitter.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Elijah Craig Small Batch is complex and nuanced, with notes of:

• Vanilla: Rich and indulgent, with a hint of sweetness.
• Caramel: Smooth and creamy, with a hint of oak.
• Spice: A subtle hint of spice, particularly cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Fruit: Hints of apple, cherry, and citrus, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Oak: A subtle background of oak flavor, with notes of vanilla and caramel.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, Elijah Craig Small Batch presents a rich and complex aroma, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit. On the palate, the whiskey is full-bodied and smooth, with a balanced flavor profile. The finish is long and satisfying, with a hint of spice and complexity.

Awards and Accolades

Elijah Craig Small Batch has received numerous awards and accolades, including:

• Double Gold Medal: San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020)
• 94, Exceptional: Beverage Testing Institute (2020)
• Best Small Batch Bourbon: International Whisky Competition (2019)

Packaging

Elijah Craig Small Batch is packaged in a premium glass bottle, featuring a unique label designed by Heaven Hill Distillery. The bottle is presented in a luxurious gift box, making it a special and collectible release.

Availability

Elijah Craig Small Batch is widely available in the United States and in select international markets. The bourbon is priced around $30-$40 per 750ml bottle, making it a premium and accessible option for bourbon enthusiasts.

Variations

Heaven Hill Distillery offers several other premium bourbon whiskeys, including:

• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: A bourbon whiskey aged for a minimum of 8 years and bottled at cask strength.
• Elijah Craig Single Barrel: A bourbon whiskey aged for a minimum of 8 years and bottled from a single barrel.
• Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond: A bourbon whiskey aged for a minimum of 4 years and bottled at 100 proof.

In conclusion, Elijah Craig Small Batch is a premium and accessible bourbon whiskey that offers a complex and nuanced flavor profile. With its unique history and small-batch production, it’s a great option for bourbon enthusiasts and connoisseurs looking for a high-quality and affordable whiskey.