Elijah Craig 18! Ultra-aged Kentucky bourbon is no stranger to Heaven Hill. This is a fairly standard release for them at this point. Is there any difference since the label changed in flavor? This head to head aims to find out.
Company on Label: Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill)
Whiskey Type: Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Barley
Proof: 90°
Age: 18 years
Further identification: On the left of the picture is the "old label", on the right of the picture is
the "new label"; the newer batch being bottled 9/14/2018 from Barrel 4502; the old label could not be identified further from the person who provided the sample
Old label Flash Review:
This is even dustier. Smells older. Spicier nose, herbal deep 'dank' waves of layers on the nose that just go on and on. Aggressive. Warm summer citrus. Thin with zero proof. Bright, floral. Nose is so much better than the palate here, but I fear this bottle may have suffered from a good bit of evaporation. I could have sat and smelled this one forever.
New label Flash Review:
Wow okay this is some musty, bright oak. Dark and creamy nose. Balanced. Both creamy & tannic citrus. Oily rising feel that carries funky herbs. Chocolate leather. Sweet late.
Final Ranking: Old Label > New Label on grounds of impressive complexity and depth
For some reason the palate on the "Old Label" felt very muted. The bottle had been stored pretty close to empty for probably a bit too long which may have led to excessive oxidation. The nose was evidence enough to me on this one though.