I’d like to thank Heaven Hill for providing this review sample to me with no strings attached.
Have you ever seen a photo of a pile of sleeping puppies and thought to yourself, “Boy I wish I was part of that pile of cuteness?” Well, I’ve had a taste of that the last few nights sleeping with two 7-month-old puppies and a 10-month-old puppy. And if these guys are anything to go off of, that image isn’t nearly as comfortable as it looks. There is a LOT of movement in that pile. Sure, they will go to sleep resting their head on your shoulder. Making you think that they are going to be still and sweet all night. But then BAM! It’s one am and they’ve decided that it is playtime again. And even once they settle back down? So much kicking! Those sweet little puppy dreams aren’t nearly as sweet when what they are “running” across is the small of your back.
Damn things are really cute though. I’m guessing that is how they keep their mommies from eating them…
Anyway, that’s been my week. I hope yours has been filled with as much cuteness and happiness and not nearly as many claws, teeth, or puddles of pee.
As for tonight’s bourbon? Well, there isn’t a lot to say. I mean Heaven Hill didn’t even include a press release with this one. It’s the most recent version of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It’s delicious as always. But we had a pretty special one last time around. Let’s see how A122 compares.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, A122
Purchase Info: This bottle was provided by the producer for review purposes. I have found previous editions locally for as low as $69.99 for a 750 mL bottle at Total Wine.
Price per Drink (50mL): $4.67
Details: 60.4% ABV. 12 years old. Non-chill filtered.
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak and nutmeg.
Mouth: Very warm in the mouth. Notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, chocolate, and baking spice.
Finish: Warm and long with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel.
Thoughts: Very good as usual. thick, rich, creamy, and nice and spicy. Both in the heat and the baking spice usages of the word.
Comparison to C921: A122 shows a lot more nutmeg on the nose whereas C921 is sweeter. C921 is sweeter compared to A122 and not as blindingly hot. The finishes are both long and warm. They are both very good, but if forced to pick I'd grab C921 over A122 because it just hits all the right notes for me. It has heat, but it isn't overpowering. There is sweetness but it isn't cloying. A122 by comparison feels extra hot in the mouth, which isn’t a problem since I’ll be adding water or ice to it when I drink it. And A122 really seems to focus on the baking spice notes, which is good too. I guess I just liked the last version better. I mean C921 won my 2021 Bourbon of the Year for a reason. It was hard to top.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.
Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, posters, and more.