Review #662; Bourbon #146: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B516 (Old Style Bottle)

This is from the “Old” style of Elijah craig bottles, this bottling is from 2016.

I had this blind so keep that in mind while you read this.

ABV: 69.7%

Nose: Cherry Cola, Black Pepper, Vanilla, tannins.

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Black Pepper, Cherry Cola, tannins, Vanilla, tons of heat.

Finish: Medium length finish, tons of heat, cherry cola, tannins, vanilla.

Rating: 3/10

This is bad. It has classic bourbon flavors to it but the heat and tannins drown most of them out. The cola is nice but on the palate and finish, you just are slammed with heat and overwhelming oak spice.

Guess: Bourbon, 4-6 Years old, barrel proof, 63-66% abv. Old Forester Single Barrel?

Reveal: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “B516”

Well that is quite the reveal. I know these older barrel proofs are held in legendary status but I just felt the oak and heat were overly dominate on this particular bottling.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect