Blind No Longer Bourbon Review #3
Bottle C: Vintage Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Release #6 (12 Years)
Proof: 140.2
New Tasting Notes:
One of the darkest shades of bourbon I've ever seen before. It still smelled of sweet butterscotch apple on the bouquet, even after forgetting I originally said that in the blind review. Very approachable for the 2nd highest proofed bourbon I've tried; I was able to get right down into it at the rim of my Glencairn. Now you'd think after more than 2 years and having bought 18 or so bourbons, not including all these barrel proofed bombers, that I would've thought to hydrate my palate before priming it.....well you'd be wrong. (because I did LOL). The end result? An extra thick mouthfeel of liquid hellfire....but still very delicious. This is without a doubt the hottest bourbon to date, even more so than George T Stagg 143 proof. It was a long mouth coating finish but still not George T Stagg long. The problem (if you could call it that because it's a tasty problem) is that it doesn't soften on the palate as the mid palate and finish begins to take their grasp. It just burns hot all the way through, which I experienced with my Elijah Small Batch (in shorter form of course). Don't get me wrong I still absolutely loved it and savored every last drop. The Finish is my favorite part of any bourbon, especially when its a long one with complexity and flavorful characteristics and nuances. Mouthfeel (preferably viscous) comes a close second. Those factor into my ratings more so than anything.
MY Rating: 4/5 Stars