Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 12 Year Old, Batch No. A116, 2016, 69.4%

The dark red fruit, brown sugar crumble and vanilla on the nose give this bourbon a generous opening, while the charred oak keeps the sweetness from being the whole story. On the palate, caramel and dark cherry sit alongside more oak and warm baking spices. That combination appeals to my taste, particularly where the oak provides some contrast to the sweeter notes. The reservation is the whole-tongue heat: it is a documented part of the palate, and it may draw attention away from the fruit and vanilla for anyone who prefers a more restrained bourbon. The long finish continues with oak, dark caramel and spicy warmth. There is plenty to appreciate here, though restraint is not its strongest suit.