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Nick’s Picks: Elijah Craig Distillery and Single Barrel Selections

Nick’s Picks: Elijah Craig Distillery and Single Barrel Selections

Nestled in the heart of bourbon country, Elijah Craig has earned a hallowed place among aficionados. We'll explore the rich history, product offerings, and, of course, Nick's handpicked single barrel selection. 

The Legacy of Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig, a man of profound vision and unwavering dedication, forever transformed the landscape of American whiskey. This Baptist preacher turned distiller made history by introducing the revolutionary practice of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels. This pioneering move not only imbued the spirit with its distinctive rich and oaky flavors but also gave birth to the modern bourbon we cherish today. Their product offerings span a diverse range, from the approachable Small Batch to the intense Barrel Proof, and the invitingly sweet Straight Rye, each meticulously crafted to cater to various palates. With a commitment to quality that transcends generations, the brand's single barrel selections, handpicked by experts like Nick, offer aficionados a chance to savor unique expressions of the distiller's art.

Elijah Craig Offerings

Elijah Craig offers a diverse range of expressions, each with its own unique character. Let's delve into a few of these exceptional bottles:
The flagship bourbon, aged for a minimum of 8 years, is a true crowd-pleaser. Its well-balanced flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak make it a versatile choice for sipping or mixing. Priced affordably, it's a bourbon that offers exceptional value for its quality.
Review by Breaking Bourbon
Nose: Aromas of vanilla, caramel, nut, and oak greet the senses, initially sweet and light but gaining intensity over time.

Palate: The palate is dominated by oak and vanilla flavors, delivering an enjoyable and straightforward experience, with a bluntly oaky and sweet character.

Finish: The finish brings forth notes of cinnamon and oak, leaving a lingering aftertaste that is, on the whole, average.

Overall: Elijah Craig Small Batch is a well-rounded bourbon that prioritizes consistency over complexity. While it may not offer the intricate flavor profiles found in higher-priced options, its affordability and familiar bourbon characteristics make it a dependable choice for those seeking an uncomplicated and satisfying bourbon. It may not steal the spotlight, but its value and easy-drinking nature make it a solid contender in its price range.

Read the full review here
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Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Elijah Craig Straight Rye stands out as the first extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the lineup. This exceptional rye whiskey is crafted through a meticulous process that combines the spice of rye grains with the sweetness of corn, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors and an exceptionally smooth character.
Review by Breaking Bourbon
Nose: The nose reveals black pepper, summer fruits, and herbal notes, with a mild yet inviting intensity.

Palate: Sweet flavors reminiscent of kettle corn and caramel take center stage on the palate, joined by allspice, nutmeg, and the essence of rye grain. As the palate progresses, sweetness becomes more pronounced.

Finish: The finish unfolds with an interplay of sweetness, vanilla, butterscotch, and a touch of rye spice, serving as the highlight of the sip.

Overall: Elijah Craig Rye is a light and approachable rye whiskey that excels in delivering a pleasant sipping experience. While it may not boast the complexity of some premium ryes, its sweet and inviting flavor profile, combined with its budget-friendly price point, positions it as a contender for a daily go-to sipper. Recognizable branding and mass appeal make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of rye whiskey without straining their wallet.

Read the full review here
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
For those seeking a more intense bourbon experience, the Barrel Proof edition delivers with a higher alcohol content, resulting in bold, complex flavors. It's uncut and unfiltered, giving you the purest taste of the barrel.
Review by Breaking Bourbon (Batch A123)
Nose: The nose is rich with caramel, sweet charred oak, cherrywood, vanilla, fudge, and a subtle mix of light mint and pine, offering superb intensity.

Palate: On the palate, thick caramel takes the lead, accompanied by assertive tannic charred oak. A delightful interplay of blackberry, plum, and vanilla adds complexity and sweetness to the experience.

Finish: The finish introduces a chili spice note that contrasts with the palate, seamlessly merging with cinnamon, tannic oak, and a lingering astringent leather aftertaste.

Overall: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon, Batch A123, marks a robust entry in the brand's lineup. With its impressive intensity and a medley of flavors, it showcases the complexity of high-proof bourbons. While the tannic oak might challenge some palates, its overall quality and value are undeniable, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a bold bourbon experience.

Read the full review here
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Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel
Aged to perfection for 18 years, this bourbon is a masterclass in complexity. With notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and oak, it's a limited edition gem that's well worth the investment.
Review by Breaking Bourbon
Nose: Elijah Craig 18 Year begins with a warming and rich nose, featuring notes of orange, chocolate, toasted oak, honey, vanilla, and custard, harmoniously balanced between sweetness and hearty oak.

Palate: The palate offers a foundation of equal parts vanilla and oak, complemented by hints of light brown sugar, caramel, and a fruity sweetness akin to a fruit salad. The oak persists but is harmoniously tempered by fruitiness, resulting in a medium-bodied and crowd-pleasing profile.

Finish: The finish leans into heavy oak, which overshadows some of the fruitier palate notes. A noticeable dankness lingers but doesn't overpower the overall experience.

Overall: Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel, known for its impressive age statement, provides a consistent and high-quality bourbon experience. While it may lack the wow factor of more flashy releases, its value proposition remains strong. As bourbon trends evolve, this dependable and mature offering serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of well-crafted, aged bourbons.

Read the full review here
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Nick's Picks
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 10 Year Pick
Our store, Pascale’s Wine & Liquor, proudly presents a 10-year-old single barrel selection of Elijah Craig.

Aromas of caramel and toasted oak lead to a palate brimming with honey, dark chocolate, and baking spices. The finish is long, warm, and exceptionally smooth. This is a bourbon meant to be savored, enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Available ONLY AT Pascale's Wine & Liquors in Fayetteville, NY while supplies last!
The Perfect Old Fashioned
Crafted with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
If you're looking to elevate your bourbon experience, try crafting the perfect Old Fashioned using Elijah Craig Small Batch:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and add the bitters.
  2. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until well mixed.
  3. Add a large ice cube to the glass.
  4. Pour in the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and stir gently.
  5. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and garnish.
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