Named after the Virginia Reverend Elijah Craig, Elijah Craig Bourbon traces its roots to 1789. That’s the year the Reverend founded a distillery in Fayette County, VA, which later became Scott County, KY. Heaven Hill, the current holder of the Elijah Craig brand, credits Rev. Craig with the invention of “true Kentucky Bourbon.” Additionally, they proclaim him as “The Father of Bourbon” itself. Unsurprisingly, many dispute this but it’s a nice story nevertheless. Whatever the history may be, let’s look at the here and now with the Elijah Craig Small Batch Straight Kentucky Bourbon review.

For production of this Bourbon, Heaven Hill claims to use the same process as Elijah did over 200 years ago. Nevertheless, they fail to explain the mash bill other than local corn and grains. As for age statement, the bottle nor websites provide anything official. Apparently, it’s between 8 and 12 years. The bottle lists proof as 94 (47% ABV) – finally, a straightforward detail. Whatever the reason for this veil of secrecy, let’s see if we can shed some light!

Bottle and Appearance

In the Bottle, this bourbon exudes a burnt amber coloring with a reddish tint. In the glass, the color shifts to a slightly lighter caramel. Giving it a swirl demonstrates a nice viscosity in the glass that forms small, slow rolling beads. Nice uniform albeit slow legs that tend to linger. The bottle itself feels in keeping with a long tradition through its shape and maintains a level of uniqueness on the shelf.

Nose

Lifting the glass to the nose causes a somewhat profound drying effect that penetrates deeply. A floral bouquet comes to dominate initially. Notes of geranium upfront followed by a diminutive honeysuckle. In the middle, a burst of alcohol wants to remind you that it’s there and drives the sensation deeper. On the other side of this outburst, a candied apple effect lies toward the bottom. Nice overall as it leans on the sweeter aspects.

Palate

On the palate, a slight warming experience opens to additional mild sweetness in the form of a banana smoothie. A modicum of spice thrusts forward with notes of green pepper. The charring and corn nature become apparent next as a burnt, grilled corn on the cob makes its way through. Finally, the ride comes to an end with mild sweetness once again. Only this time it resembles more of a pipfruit cycling between pear and apple. The palate is tasty despite the fairly strong alcohol burn. This renders it a less than smooth experience despite the pleasant flavor profile.

Finish

Moving onto the finish, the mild spicy pepper from the palate unfurls to a higher degree of spice here. The corn also turns sweeter leaving on a toffee note. Despite the general sweetness overall to this bourbon, savor mixes in the finish and approaches a curry flavoring. While there are some nice occurrences, the alcohol that’s been on a crescendo throughout the experience flourishes and finally taints the ending with a rough finish.

Drinkability

Drink over ice or with a splash of water. These both serve to mute the ever present alcohol, and allow other notes such as cinnamon to gain some prominence. It becomes outright enjoyable like this. This whiskey has a feeling of tradition that borders on the cozy. Drink with loved ones on a rainy or snowy day while stuck in doors.

Food Pairing

Given the history and story of this bourbon, something classic suits it best. Throw some marinated chicken legs on the grill with corn on the cob and wash it down with this bourbon.

Facial Hair Rating

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon receives the Zappa Facial Hair Rating. Never predominantly fashionable, the Zappa never really completely disappears either. It captures an out of place yet nonthreatening and acceptable danger feeling in one fell swoop as only a distant biker gang family member could.

Overall

To conclude the Elijah Craig Small Batch Straight Kentucky Bourbon review, it works. Despite some of the mystery in terms of aging and mash bill, the flavor comes through nicely. Mostly sweet with hints of savor, it allows for a small degree of complexity. The notable alcohol burn present throughout does unfortunately reach a degree as to detract from the experience, knocking it down one grade. For a bourbon supposedly aged between 8 to 12 years, this is unfortunate. However, the burn is easily mitigated with ice or water. While not generally commenting on price, Elijah Craig Small Batch often finds itself around or even slightly under $30 for 750ml. For that price, this bourbon is easily a steal that could be comfortably priced at $7 or $8 more.

Final Grade: B

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