Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch 10 is one of American whiskey's most beloved cult bottles, the uncut, non chill filtered, cask strength expression of Heaven Hill's flagship Elijah Craig bourbon, produced at the storied Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Released in small batches three times a year, each batch is bottled straight from the barrel at its own natural proof, so every release offers a slightly different proof and flavor profile. Batch 10 is the 2016 release, bottled at a powerful 138.8 proof, one of the higher strength releases in the line, and it carries the classic 12 year age statement that defined Elijah Craig Barrel Proof for its first decade. It is also one of the original "pirate bottle" releases, the tall, slope shouldered bottle used for Batches 1 through 12 before the 2017 redesign, a form factor collectors now actively seek out. Built on Heaven Hill's standard bourbon mashbill of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley, and matured a full twelve years in charred new oak, it is a big, bold, full bodied bourbon that rewards both the seasoned barrel proof hunter and the adventurous enthusiast. The whisky is named for Reverend Elijah Craig, the eighteenth century Baptist minister often credited as an early proponent of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels. Expect a rich, concentrated pour with a nose of dark fruit, toffee, oak, and warm baking spice, a palate of caramel, vanilla, dark cherry, charred oak, and a wave of spice, and a long, warming finish. At nearly 70 percent ABV it carries real heat, so it shines with a few drops of water or a single large cube, which open up its considerable depth. A genuine bourbon icon and a must try for any cask strength fan. Enjoy responsibly.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Heaven Hill Brands |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch 10 (Release #10, 2016) |
| Mashbill |
75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley |
| Age |
12 Years |
| Maturation |
New Charred Oak; uncut and non chill filtered |
| ABV |
69.4% |
| Proof |
138.8 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep, rich amber.
Nose: Dark fruit, toffee, oak, and warm baking spice, with a touch of banana and nuttiness.
Palate: Big and full bodied, with caramel, vanilla, dark cherry, charred oak, and a wave of spice.
Finish: Long and warming, with oak, caramel, and lingering spice; a splash of water tames the considerable heat.
FAQ
What does Barrel Proof mean? It means the bourbon is bottled uncut and non chill filtered, straight from the barrel at its natural strength. Batch 10 is 138.8 proof, or 69.4 percent ABV.
What batch is this? This is Batch 10, the 2016 release, bottled at 138.8 proof. Because pre 2017 batches were not printed with a letter code, the proof on the label is the key to identifying the release.
What is the "pirate bottle"? It is the tall, slope shouldered bottle Heaven Hill used for Batches 1 through 12, before the 2017 packaging redesign. Collectors prize these earlier pirate bottle releases.
What is the mashbill? It uses Heaven Hill's standard bourbon mashbill of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley.
How should I drink it? At nearly 70 percent ABV, it is excellent neat for the brave, but a few drops of water or a large ice cube open it up and tame the heat.
Where can I buy Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch 10 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
