If the trip to Tennessee and Kentucky was less than successful on the “testing out a tiny camper” front, it was very successful on the “shopping for whiskey” front. I mostly picked up barrel picks from distilleries and stores. They do seem to have a higher hit rate on delicious barrel picks. I’m guessing that is easier when you're that close to the source—especially when they are the source, in the case of distillery gift shops. However, I did grab a few things, such as the bottle pictured above, to save for blog posts too.
The subject of tonight’s bonus post was purchased at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. It’s an eight-year-old Elijah Craig bottled at 125 proof. And boy, do I wish that was the main reason I bought it. Because yes, the tasty bourbon inside was certainly a factor—but come on, that little guy is super cute. There was no way I was walking out of the gift shop without that tiny little barrel of bourbon.
Hey, I’ve been earning a living as a designer for over two decades now. Cool packaging is a weakness of mine.
This is a distillery exclusive, although in Kentucky, there's a law requiring retailers to be able to sell those exclusives as well—so you might find it here and there at retail, too. The cost was $29.99 for a 200 mL bottle. So, not the most affordable per drink. But I was on vacation, and whiskey is my favorite souvenir, so I was happy to spend that on something I couldn’t get at home. Plus, the small bottle size means that even people on a budget can enjoy it if they’re willing to give up a little quantity to do so.
Let’s see how it tastes, shall we?
Elijah Craig Barrel Select
Purchase Info: $29.99 for a 200 mL bottle at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardtown, KY.
Price per Drink (50 mL): $7.50
Details: 8 years old, 62.5% ABV.
Nose: Graham crackers, strong cinnamon candies, honey, and oak
Mouth: Nutty with honey, vanilla, cinnamon candies, and a touch of oak.
Finish: Warm and on the longer side of medium length. Notes of honey, spearmint, and cinnamon.
Thoughts: This is a like rating so close to a love rating it isn’t even funny. It is so good! I should have bought two. That nutty note—at times reminiscent of graham crackers—really makes this shine. I adore this one. Methinks it’ll be enjoyed an ounce at a time to make it last.
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