Review: Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon 15 Years Old

There is absolutely no shortage of Elijah Craig bourbon expressions, but age-stated editions have been hard to come by since the release of Elijah Craig 18 Years Old was released way back in 2015. Elijah Craig 15 Years Old seemingly came out of the blue this season, offering an older but slightly tamer experience than you’ll get with the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof lineup.

“This release reflects the craftsmanship and tradition that has defined Elijah Craig for generations,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. “We were looking for exceptional depth and character in our first 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, and it delivers at a proof that enhances its natural complexity. The result is a bold yet refined whiskey that is approachable enough to be an all-evening sipper.”

The 54% abv offers a subtle nod to May 4, 1964 – the date the United States Congress officially recognized Bourbon as a distinct product of the United States. The ruling reinforced the standards that continue to guide its production, including a requirement that it be aged in new charred oak barrels. That pioneering practice is attributed to Elijah Craig and is what earned him his enduring reputation as the “Father of Bourbon.”

Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon 15 Years Old Review

The nose of this whiskey shows all kinds of depth — and most of it is driven by the barrel, with loads of char and grassy herbs. Smudged sage and rosemary are dominant, both lying atop a beefy underbelly that smells like it wouldn’t be out of place at your favorite bbq smokehouse. The savoriness becomes increasingly intense with time in glass, never letting up, eventually exuding aromas of black pepper and gritty cloves.

The palate finds a bit of sweetness, but it’s a bit buried beneath all the char and herbal elements that remain dominant here. Pushy and enduringly meaty, I spent quite some time wading through waves of rosemary and toasted rye bread before I finally hit something less toothsome — coconut nectar, some raspberry, and vanilla cream. The woodiness is increasingly tempered as the finish builds, a creamy fade-out that reveals itself as the most classic, traditional, and balanced part of the experience.

I really enjoyed the lingering conclusion of Elijah Craig 15. I just wished it didn’t take such a damn long time getting there.

108 proof.

B+ / $150 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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