The Basics: 

Heaven Hill Distillery

118.2 Proof

12 Year Age Statement

$70 MSRP

Nose:

Cherry syrup, heavy char, sweet cinnamon, nougat, Snickers, slight ethanol, and peanuts.

Palate: 

Allspice, brown sugar, leather, heavy clove, orange zest, Red Hots, and cherry Twizzlers.

Finish:

Herbal tea, dried raspberries, tobacco, and ash.

Final Thoughts:

Heaven Hill’s latest release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof clocks in at 118.2 proof, their lowest proof to date (don’t quote me on that). With other batches reaching hazmat status (140+), I was certainly surprised when I saw the lower proof on the label. However, all that matters is whether or not the whiskey is good. With that being said, the nose begins with strong cherry, chocolate, and peanut notes, followed by a heavy dose of cinnamon spice and leather on the palate. The finish mellows out with an enjoyable herbal tea and cigar tobacco note, as well as barrel char. Overall, I felt that this was a middle of the road ECBP release. There weren’t any particular stand-out flavors in either a good or bad way, the ethanol was tamed from the lower proof, and it was easy to drink. I enjoy the bottle and am happy to have bought it, but I won’t be searching for a backup of this release.