Elijah Craig 18yr Vs. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A119)

I’m doing this comparison because I had been looking for 18yr for years, and when I finally got a bottle I was a little bit disappointed. I had just had a pour of Barrel Proof the night before, and the 18yr seemed somewhat unimpressive. So I decided to put them head to head and see if that initial impression held up.

18yr) 90 proof. The nose is amazing, with massive oak and vanilla, along with some dark fruits and honey. The first sip starts sweet with vanilla, caramel, and lots of charred oak. But the oak is not overpowering like some older whiskeys that I’ve had. The finish is fairly long with slight musty notes, and mild spice. This is actually a smooth, easy sipper, and amazingly good. I paid $135.

Barrel Proof A119 (12 yr) 135 proof. The nose on this is remarkably different. Much more fruit, and massive leather and spice. I really want a cologne from this whiskey! The palate is definitely sharper with more alcohol burn, but the flavors absolutely explode on every sip. Flavors of vanilla, cinnamon red-hot candy, honey, caramel, and baking spices. The finish is long, with rye-spice and vanilla. This is one of the few whiskeys that I think is better with about a half-teaspoon of mineral water to tame the heat, and bring out the flavors. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of my all-time favorite pours, and I buy a bottle every time I see it at retail prices. ~$59

Verdict) These are both world-class whiskeys. However, now that I have a bottle of 18 on my shelf, I’ll probably never pay for another one at more than double the price of BP. The Barrel Proof is just so amazingly good. I like the higher proof, and the extra age just doesn’t make up for that in the 18yr. If you like a more smooth drink, then the 18yr is probably your choice. But if you like massive flavors in the smallest sip, and don’t mind a little burn, then Barrel Proof is for you (and me).