Elijah Craig 12 Year Old

Legend has it that Elijah Craig is the ‘inventor’ of bourbon. Historical proof says otherwise, but that does not hold the bourbon industry back – with Heaven Hill in the lead – to keep this legend alive. Every bourbon needs a good story, right? The Elijah Craig 12 is no longer in production. It was replaced by a NAS version. Pity, for this is a very nice and accessible bourbon.

Nice, round, sweet nose on caramelized orange peel, candied sugar, toffee apples, baked pears with cinnamon and a lovely touch of oak. Something dusty even, as if I am sniffing this in the attic. Molded wood and leather kick in. Very pleasant indeed.

Wonderfully round, sweet and soft. Less spicy than I remember; Some pepper, cinnamon and wood, but it’s the oranges and pears that reign. The caramel is never far off, making it a touch sticky, but not so much that it is a nuisance.

The finish is neither short, nor long, but does leave the mouth completely dry, despite the fruity start.

It has only been a year or two since I last tried this one, but this recent batch is much nicer than the previous one.

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