Distillery: Heaven Hill
Proof: 94
Age: No Age Statement
Mashbill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Price: $30
Company
Heaven Hill, located in Bardstown, is one of the most iconic bourbon distilleries out there—producing brands like Elijah Craig, Larceny, Evan Williams, Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, and more.
Production
According to their site, Elijah Craig Small Batch is made with level 3 charred oak barrels which give it its distinct spice and subtle smoke flavor. This used to carry a 12-year age statement but that was eventually removed due to supply not meeting demand.
Nose – 88/100
Light oak, caramel, and vanilla are present. Pretty run-of-the-mill and not particularly rich. It’s sweet and simple.
Palate – 88/100
Oak forward with slight vanilla. Thinner than expected and not much going on.
Finish – 87/100
Oak heavy again here with a bit more spice than in the palate. Again, this is about the simplest, one-track bourbon I’ve ever had. No other notes really stand out during the finish. (Adipex)
Value – 88/100
Elijah Craig Small Batch is incredibly average. It’s really simple, and that’s admirable, but it doesn’t stand out in any way whatsoever. You won’t regret buying a bottle, but it doesn’t really leave you wanting to buy another either. Knob Creek 9 Year is a better version of this for about the same price.
Verdict – 87.75/100
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 95+
- Gold – 90 – 94
- Silver – 80 – 89
- Bronze – <80
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.