Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 12yr (B520) Vs. Lux Row Double Barrel 12yr

B520 is continuing its fight-tour and today is taking on another 12yr, very good, newer bottle to grace my shelves.

Lux Row) $150, 118.4 proof: 
This limited bottling is a blend of two barrels selected by Head Distiller John Rempe. Each high-rye bourbon barrel selected was at least 12 years old and is bottled at a barrel strength of 118.4 proof. Only 6000 bottles were created and availability limited to Kentucky.
- The nose starts with a delicious, bold aroma of caramel, dark cherries, notes of sherry, with lots of seasoned oak and leather.
- The palate starts with a warm and oily mouthfeel. The rye really comes through on the palate, with clove spice and some medicinal notes that then reveal rich vanilla, red-wine, cherry, and a strong oak backbone.
- The finish is nicely long, and leaves a delicious hot aftertaste of cherry, cinnamon, and oak.
Overall, this is a unique barrel-pairing method that achieves a middle ground between single barrel and small batch bourbons and is a very good dram.

ECBP-B520) $60, 127.2 Proof: 
- The nose is intensely aromatic and complex. There is an initial hint of musty-sour-funk that then reveals oak char and roasted peanuts. Then the strong caramel/vanilla notes take over along with some allspice, and a bit of leather and cherry.
- The palate starts out with a thick, oily mouthfeel, and includes strong caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and dark cherries, along with some salted peanuts, and allspice.
- The finish is long and sweet, with caramel corn, some black pepper spice, and some slightly drying oak tannins.
Overall this is an amazingly complex, powerful, flavorful pour, and the best ECBP I’ve had yet!

VERDICT) These are both amazing bottles, and I could absolutely recommend adding both to your bar at retail prices. However, I would definitely say I slightly prefer the flavors from ECBP B520! When you consider value, ECBP takes the definitive win, and hands the Fancy Glencairn a rare defeat!

That Lux Row bottle does look good on a shelf though! ;)