Elijah Craig 12 Year

When it comes to whiskey, Bourbon is usually my go-to. Especially on cold winter's nights when NYC snow is pounding you like a big daddy in prison, it seems to be the best thing to warm you up and take the edge off. While out with a good friend the other night, we decided to visit the restaurant we both used to work at and say hello to one of our favorite bartenders over there. First, I had an Irish Coffee to wake myself up. Then, I decided to take a chance on a bourbon I hadn't tasted yet. Rev. Elijah, on the rocks.

I had the Elijah Craig 12 year on the rocks. It's a small batch bourbon made each year with 70 barrels or less. Rev. Elijah Craig discovered a way of making bourbon that really enriched the flavor. He charred his oak barrels in fire which develops this sweet smokey flavor almost reminiscent of a Single Malt Scotch.

The 12 year has notes of licorice and vanilla layered underneath that smoke that balance out the flavor quite nicely. Of course, there seems to be that sweetness of caramel, nutmeg, and burnt sugar that you get from most bourbons. After looking at a few reviews of the 12 year, many people are recommending that it be drank neat out of a snifter. I would probably still have that water-back to open up the flavors.

The price is usually about $11/$12 and then depending on if the restaurant adds on that lovely rocks charge where it would be an extra buck. The ABV is 47% (94 Proof). I'd definitely recommend this to a rye drinker who's looking to venture out or a bourbon drinker who's looking to get something not as sweet.

Rev. Elijah, Amen.