Elijah Craig 12 years

About the Elijah Craig 12 years

Elijah Craig 12 years is a small batch bourbon from Kentucky, United States. It is made by the Elijah Craig brand, part of the Heaven Hill family of whiskies. This is American whisky with real age behind it. The name honours a Baptist preacher often called a father of bourbon. Heaven Hill launched Elijah Craig 12 years in 1986. The bourbon market was struggling badly at that time. A twelve-year-old whisky was a bold statement of quality. The company bet on a revival that took years to arrive. It helped popularise the small batch idea that defines premium bourbon today. That gamble looks very smart in hindsight. The flavour comes from twelve long years in new charred oak barrels. That char gives the whisky its deep colour and backbone. Expect rich caramel, soft vanilla and a thread of brown sugar. Baking spice follows close behind. You will taste cinnamon, clove and a touch of black pepper. The mash bill leans heavily on corn, which keeps things sweet. There is fruit here too. A ripe banana note sits beside a hint of orange peel. The oak stays firm without ever turning bitter. The finish is long, warm and gently spiced. It leaves you with toasted wood and lingering sweetness. Elijah Craig is a benchmark Kentucky bourbon for good reason. It drinks beautifully neat, served at room temperature. Bottled at 47 percent, it has weight and depth to spare. Few aged bourbons offer this much character for the money. This is honest American whisky with a story worth raising a glass to.