A new expression from EC. Pretty excited about the age statement. Not as excited about a 108 proof whiskey being marketed as “barrel proof”, but on with the review… Nose features some interesting notes of nougat, burnt caramel, cinnamon sugar, rye crackers, bubblegum, orange peel, and mint. Hardly any botanical or herbal aromas. Smells much more like a high rye bourbon. Ethanol nearly non-existent. Palate matches the nose quite well but also features some blackberry notes along with spicy oak, white pepper, clove, rock candy, and barrel char. There’s a prominent tart cherry note as well that deserves its own mention. Flavors are bold and well integrated. Finish brings leather, tea leaf, stewed peaches, rye spice, licorice, spearmint, and some nice soft oak. Spice and oak notes really linger. Mouthfeel has decent viscosity, but finishes quite dry. An interesting and unique rye that I may not have gushed enough about in the description above. Bottom line, this is a layered and complex offering that comes together really well. If a marriage of fruit and spice is your jam, don’t miss this one. At $67.99 and packing a 12 year age statement, you’d be insane not to call it a great value. It’s a winner and there is no doubt that I’m going to be buying future releases as I cross my fingers for a 130+ proof banger.
About this bottle
Elijah Craig has expanded its rye and barrel proof offerings with this inaugural release of a Kentucky straight rye whiskey offered at barrel proof. Like the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon offerings, Barrel Proof Rye will be released 3 times a year: January, May, and September. Since this is the first release for 2025, this is Barrel Proof Batch A925. Aged for 12 years and 3 months, it's bottled at 108 proof. Availability begins in late September 2025. (SRP $74.99)
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
Nose- Anise/black licorice jump out at me. There is also an herbal quality like Earl Grey tea. It is a vibrant nose that leaps out of the glass. Palate- Green apple makes its appearance followed by baking spices like nutmeg and clove. This is followed up by black pepper which might be the note too much for some. The mouthfeel is warm, buttery, with orange candy. It is such a soothing sip. It is a wonderful, spicier pour that is perfect at its 108 proof. Finish- Warm and comforting. Goes out on candied orange and caraway seed. Playful barnyard/hay note that makes you want to play a bit more Overall- Takes the 92 proof rye to new and better levels. A welcomed linear addition! I can't wait until I see how this 3x per year offering progresses. Some may find the peppery and nutmeg notes a little much. I LIKE IT 92/100
Nose: green apple, licorice candy, herbal tea and burt caramel or brown sugar Taste: toasty and smokey, spicy and buttery, green apple, herbal and licorice candy, burt caramel or brown sugar Long spicy finish
Eucalyptus and candied black licorice nose. Eucalyptus, mint, candied nuts, salty, maple, brewed tea. Vanilla finish. Spicier and less sweet than the bourbon releases.
Really well balanced rye and drinks smooth, not overly hot just the right proof. Drinks full and savory from initial sip tjeough the finish
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
