Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Review | The Whiskey Dictionary

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Website: www.thewhiskeydictionary.com Are you hyped for the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof episode? I am!

[@djbeacon6895]

OH Yeah on the ECBP!! Gotta be one of the best value and quality bottles. Unfortunately more and more places are pricing at $80 to 100.

[@samclark6048]

Is be intrigued to retry the barrel proof as I think it was the first barrel proof o tried when I was still new to whiskey so was not ready for the strength, now on the other hand....

[@djbeacon6895]

@@elijahfluw4347 How about that, I'm picking up my 6th tomorrow night. Have the B518 and C918. Looking for the C919. Prices, if you look around town, are $60 to 65. CHEERS on your #3!!

[@dustinhendricks1177]

ECSB was the first bourbon above 40% that I tried neat and was like “I can see drinking more bourbon/scotch/etc this way.” It’s a staple in my collection and I’m excited to try searching for some notes you listed that I haven’t found yet. Thank you for all of the education that you’ve given me. You have no idea the benefit your channel has brought to my experiences with “the whiskies.”😉 Cheers until the next episode. 🥃

[@IamY5150]

Yup! I have a bottle of the A19 and it's strong and delicious!

[@kershawkel]

love the history about the man himself, that's stuff that most whiskey reviewers don't typically mention. keep it up!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It's been a while since I covered a new distillery that had a decent history. It's why I originally made the channel and what I love doing! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonnyfish76]

I'm a scotch guy and this is my second go-around at this one. I must say that i'm enjoying this MUCH more than I did on the first pour. Great review.

[@steveamsp]

Very much agreed on the "Stock it" rating. Definitely one of the best values out there. Great Bourbon at a great price

[@Herestravy420]

Gave this a try today.. Super inflated price in PA at $37 a bottle, our alcohol stores are controlled by the state, nothing independent around here sadly.. Have to say its quite good, but.. I've had better at lower prices around here. I can get larceny for $23 a bottle currently. Maybe I need to let the bottle breathe a couple of days and open up.. I do notice brand new bottles take a few days opened and exposed to air to get a bit more of a profile. I would almost compare it to Jack Daniels single barrel select, which is $50 around here

[@CMHasty028]

Great review of one of my top 5 whiskeys! I tend to reach for this before I even go for a Van Winkle. Such a solid pour, and great history with it. Love to see someone who appreciates the history of the distiller as much as I do.

[@timkearns3779]

To me this one tastes like i shouldve paid twice as much. Very tasty and affordable!!!

[@yearginclarke]

I agree with that!

[@TheOakandSmokeWhiskeyReviews]

Elijah Craig is putting out solid bourbon whiskies!! Most of their offerings including the barrel proof is very affordable!! Great review Bill!! Cheers!!🥃

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks!

[@dxs8]

When I did a tour at Evan Williams, the tour guide told us that when they used to ship the whiskey down on the Ohio River it was always kept in barrels and not bottled. He said the price of new barrels was too steep or hard to come by (can’t remember exact reason) so they would take used barrels previously used for pickles and other things and they would take a torch to the inside to essentially sanitize the barrels by charring them. Of course in those days on ship going to the next town or a few towns over it took weeks even months so the whiskey would “age” in the barrels. The townspeople were actually upset when the whiskey came out an amber color instead of a light color or clear and would most times reject it that is until they tasted it and ever since they always wanted the whiskey to be shipped in charred barrels.

[@Von_Fishman]

Thanks for the review Bill! 100% agreed that EC is a great bourbon in that lower price range, although I think it can stand up to some more expensive ones easily up to low 30s. Looking forward to the barrel proof episode and to see what notes you get between that one and the regular Elijah Craig. Also, I know it likely wont happen, although it has with Knob Creek, but I would love to see Elijah Craig get its age statement back or at least release the 12 year alongside the small batch, even if it's an extra 20% I think it would make for a cool A,B Comparison.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I think it's likely we get a 12 year version again. Normal EC having an age statement is less likely

[@pross6525]

I bought a bottle of this Bourbon for my upcoming Birthday this May 6th to have for the first time. My question to anyone is which of these three Cigar choices will pair best with this Bourbon. Padron Maduro 1964 anniversary Padron 1926 Maduro of Don Pepin Garcia 15th Anniversary?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Hey, May 6th is my daughter's birthday. I don't know much about cigars, but I hope you have a great birthday!

[@pross6525]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Thank you. Happy Birthday to your daughter i hope she has a fun filled day

[@HieronymousLex]

Got my Elijah Craig in hand for this review! I get a really awesome nutty note up front. Nutmeg I think. The first time I impulse bought this bottle as a newbie I was really pleasantly surprised. Definitely helped solidify my love for bourbon. Looking forward to next weeks review!

[@charlesashworth6805]

Found that oaky note the first time I had Elijah Craig been drinking it ever since. The b roll shots are looking great bill

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks!

[@PezrulezHaakon]

I'm currently torn between this expression of EC SB and the original Makers 46. 🤔 Wich would you pick regarding quality/price between those? Most bang? What's the main diffrencies?

[@garydon69]

You turned me on to Buffalo Trace, which I liked very much. So, I’ll be picking up a bottle of this!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It's different but great!

[@yearginclarke]

Both are very solid for the price.

[@JWG2014]

Rum runners use to char barrels to burn out previous flavors of the pickling juice that was in the barrel before the US was the US. They found it made the rum taste better and it became a thing to do with new barrels too. It was also was done to whiskey because of that reason too. There is documentation that say this was done. Also the Uncle Nearest story (the full text) may hit to this being previously used in Africa (where the US learned to filter through charcoal to smooth the spirits. Not knocking your view but it worth a deeper dive if you into that kind of thing. If you proof down Elijah Craig it brings out some bitterness. Take it full proof - its hot but taste better.

[@westerngroovetv]

im enjoying it more in an old fashion. My first bottle of bourbon was 4 roses small batch. But I left it somewhere for the week so I wanted to pick up something else decent for the week. I got the EC.. Its only my 2nd but im not enjoying it so much bc the smell and taste are so muted compared to the 4 roses.

[@davidtraylor3062]

Probably due to the price point I discovered EC Small Batch early in my learning experience. It still is one of my favorites! After 6 weeks in Brazil where Scotch seems to rule, I guess I need to go buy a bottle!

[@davidtraylor3062]

@@elijahfluw4347 I'm just not a Scotch drinker.... but I did drink some while I was there. The only bourbon I saw was Wild Turkey. I almost bought it but decided against it since I can buy it at home. Way too many things not available here for that! LOL

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Was there anything in Brazil that was not here?

[@davidtraylor3062]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary The popular Scotch (cheap Scotch) was Teachers. Since I don't care for Scotch I am not sure if it is here or not. Actually I drank more Pitu which is not available here. Mostly in mixed drinks but I did drink it straight at a party. My wife's friends were shocked that I was not passed out. Not sure why. It's only 80 proof. There is also a cheap beer called Skol.

[@jakemarvel2516]

What do you think in comparison to the 12yo ? Is it similiar to it? I loved the 12yo Always fun watchin your channel

[@JamesSmith-uc8tk]

I bought a bottle a couple years back. The only thing I remember is it tasted like burning. Maybe I got a funky bottle, but I'm willing to give it another shot.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

You may be more used to whiskey at this point too

[@mrchiefbs]

Might enjoy it with a cube of ice to start out.

[@richardhooper5013]

Very timely...had a glass of EC Small Batch in one hand and cigar in the other and saw this review! A wonderful bourbon and definitely a “stock it” for me. Great review!

[@IamY5150]

This Bourbon is my go to! It was my gateway onto a love for enjoying Bourbon

[@Del-Canada]

Pepper is supposed to be part of the profile but nobody ever mentions it. Is it not there? Never tried this so I have no idea personally. Anyway, four dollars a pound.

[@76Stankfinger]

EC was my first taste of Bourbon. I’ve been hooked ever since 👍🏻

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Hard to say what id have thought if my first bourbon was EC. My first bourbon was Wild turkey

[@IndyGuy65]

So glad I found ECSB 3 years ago and I do stock it. Great bourbon.Looking forward to your review of ECBP!

[@kirkrisseler1485]

EC is one of my new found favs! I like it better than some $50 bottles I have on my bar.

[@kane6106]

Barrel proof and 18 yr picked up not too long ago. Both are solid as well.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I'd like to get my hands on the 23 year for sure

[@YoskiRS]

Have to pour one out tonight for Kobe...unbelievable.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yea... I was shocked when I read it

[@WhiskyJason1]

history lesson from the Whiskey Dic - NICE!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Back to form!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I bought my first bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch today because of the many positive reviews. Poured a bit into my Glencairn....let is sit... nosed it...first sip.. not what I expected.. What you may call "woodiness" may be what I call "mustiness" which instantly alienated me. I tried a few drops of water... nope.. Poured a fresh glass over rocks... nope..can't get over the mustiness. I am a fan of Manhattens so will try that next. But at this point.. in the Under $40 range I prefer WT101, Makers Mark, Buffalo Trace, even Buillitt. If this "mustiness" is a characteristic of "better" Bourbons" I'll have to pass.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Sorry to hear that. Mustiness is not a quality I'd have considered for this

[@bourbonapprentice]

Are you sure the 23yr is a rye? I thought their first small batch rye is being released now at the standard shelf proof. I like EC, but definitely barrel proof way more

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I kind of forgot a pause between those two words?

[@colina1330]

I went into my liquor store today with every intention of picking up a bottle of Woodford Reserve, but I saw that they had started stocking this one. I've heard basically all good things, I've never tried it, and it's exactly the same price as Woodford, so I grabbed this instead. Saving it for Friday. I usually go for Bulleit or Woodford, but if this one is as nice as you say it is, it'll probably find a spot in the regular rotation.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Where do you live? I'm assuming outside of the U.S.?

[@colina1330]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Ontario, Canada. Bourbon isn't nearly as plentiful here as I'd like it to be. We have some solid Canadian whiskeys at really good prices, though.

[@colina1330]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Checking in. This has found its way into the semi-regular rotation. I'm drinking some right now, and I just got a Glencairn glass, so this is my first time "properly" nosing and tasting it (for lack of a better term). I get mostly ethanol on the nose, with a bit of vanilla and caramel sweetness, with no oak. On the palate, I get that oak right away. I also taste apples.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Let it sit for a while and the ethanol dissipates. Definitely try it with some water too if that's all you smell. Thanks for letting me know what you thought!

[@miagy420]

How would you rate it against the woodford reserve distler's select?🤔

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Similar but different... if asked to pick I'd pick the woodford

[@miagy420]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary thank you for the honest answer...

[@garylethbridge6220]

It's 50 bucks In Ontario ..4 Rose's is single barrell is only 53... so I dont buy EC any more , it is decent but over priced here.. also kcsb is only 10 bucks more.

[@katzsteel]

Hate to talk this one up too much, cuz people will catch on.

[@Vile23]

Agreed!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Right!?

[@northernninety7]

I just got a bottle. Pretty good for a bourbon in the $20 range.

[@evenflowcss]

Cheers Bill! I was able to taste the version of Elijah Craig small batch that was transitioning away from the 12 Year Old age statement (but it still had the 12 Year Age statement on the back label in small font). Exceptional whisky, though it's a bit pricey where I'm from so I wouldn't replace it unless it was on sale.

[@BigDaddysBearCave]

ECSB is my Jam 👍👍👍👍😎🥃 cheers 👍

[@andre18762]

Just bought this whiskey at Costco like 30 minutes ago :)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Good choice

[@andre18762]

The Whiskey Dic hope so, I also got a bottle of Knob Creek and Basil Hayden’s dark rye. I know you liked knob creek, but have you tried the dark rye from basil Hayden’s?

[@ganesankpillay3768]

Nice short and sweet . Well done

[@HeatherRamirez]

Never cared for bourbon but I just had EC in an Old Fashioned for the first time and I feel like I’m in the process of going down the bourbon rabbit hole...

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

You're starting with a good one

[@rogerdracks1880]

This costs more than double here in the Uk. Beginning to see a pattern here ...

[@keyworksurfer]

JESUS CHRIST! i got some on this video's recommendation, and what the hell. a $20 bourbon has no right to taste this smooth, this oaky, this *aged*. it's very very easy drinking for a 94, but also very complex and vivid. It's no eagle rare but I've had $40 bourbons I enjoyed which I'd take this over... how is this so cheap!?

[@2oleaves843]

Great review! This was my first bourbon i've picked up and I was very impressed. You are definitely right about that woody (Oaky) flavor, which I am now a fan of.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

You should try woodford reserve double oaked

[@2oleaves843]

Thanks for the reccomendation. I will be on the lookout for that one. I saw a woodford reserve at my local costco but i cant remember which one it was.

[@rendistian360]

Thanks for the review Bill! Love the ECSB! In my opinion this is your most well made review so far in terms of camera focus, lighting, sound, and b roll. Keep up the good work!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks! It felt that way when I was editing it. I said in discord "this feels like a return to form of when I started the channel but with better technique". I appreciate the compliment!

[@meesternibbles]

I love EC for the candied cherry notes I great. And the bp? Cherry bomb and I can't get enough of it! But this is always my top recommendation at work when customers ask for something to start with or a solid affordable gift for a bourbon fan.

[@ginopagnani7286]

Thanks Bill, great review for a great bourbon.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

Spot on review great everyday sipper great for cocktails as well and let's face it on this day and age a tremendous value. Would love a bottled in bond version at say 40 bucks that would be a huge hit cause the barrel proof versions can't be found and on line are at least 100 bucks so a nice 40 dollar bottled on bond would kill

[@Richie.Z]

Great review, Bill! Can't wait for the barrel proof review

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

My patrons got it last night. They told me it's one of my better episodes

[@Myclassicalrecording]

Wouldn’t he be the father of bourbon given bourbon has to be aged in virgin charred oak?

[@michaelbuckwash2412]

Thanks for these tips! DicTips.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

#DicTips

[@p.h.5752]

Local liquor store still has 8 cases of old 12 year old...$45-ish, but worth it.

[@barrygiddey9139]

Nice Bill-thanks for the review 🥃

[@tothag84]

If you could only have one bourbon for the rest of your life would it be this Elijah Craig or Woodford Reserve?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

If I had to pick one of those two, Woodford Reserve.

[@tothag84]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary thanks. I tried the Woodford Reserve this past week thanks to your review. I've really enjoyed it! What would be your personal recommendation for me to try after this. I Am brand new to the Whisky world so this would be my third whiskey I've tried. First one was suntory Toki, second Woodford Reserve, 3rd? Thanks for your contribution

[@nickvandenberg5894]

Love this channel and love this lovely bourbon

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

And it loves YOU

[@chadi7173]

I got a bottle before Christmas and thought it was OK, but, didn't love it. I'm sure it'll make a banging old fashioned, though. Any suggestions for something that's spicy, peppery, cinnamon maybe fennel under $50 and easy to find? My current go to is 101

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

With those suggestions not a ton comes to mind... maybe look for high Rye bourbons with age?

[@richardiandoli7437]

Give Four Roses Single Barrell a try. You should be able to pick it up for $45.

[@chadi7173]

Yeah, the fennel is a wild card I know and not totally necessary, but, I had one on vacation not long ago. I don’t know what it was, but, it had that licorice note to it along with spice and maybe a little orange. It was heavenly.

[@chadi7173]

I’ve been thinking about going the Rare Breed a try. Would be a nice “treat yourself” bottle, just not sure for what yet. 101 I just love. I also enjoy Longbranch and Russell’s Reserve 10.

[@chadi7173]

Is it a lot different than the Small Batch? I have half bottle of it and, it’s OK.

[@jerwur39l94]

My favorite whiskey

[@davidbroughall3782]

Where are you that it's $27?

[@gateway833]

It's 24 dollars at costco for me in Louisiana 🤣

[@JPC326]

This and Buffalo Trace !

[@TheCandel34]

Has a dry finish and was woody

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Is that good for you?

[@ronswoodturningshopandstuf5759]

stocked!

[@Bourbonsouth47]

Excellent go to pour for the price point! Delicious stuff

[@osamashatat]

Either I got a bad bottle or EC small batch is garbage

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I'd guess you got a bad bottle. At worst I'd call it a little dull, but never bad.

[@osamashatat]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary from your response i will try EC one more time :)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

If you don't like it, I'll take it!

[@chromosomegun5845]

#DicTips

[@ianbroadwater7008]

Entry level/low tier

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

That's a better wording for sure.