by Mike » Fri Feb 05, 2016 7:22 pm
Bottled at 138.8 proof at $52, when reduced to 90 proof (standard) this works out to about $35 for 750 ml.
I was expecting more rich barrel flavors, but even at the full proof the barrel richness is not there. There is an off taste in both samples that jolts the palate that was expecting something far better. In an effort to salvage it, I added a bit of Maker's Mark Cask Strength at about 110 proof. That makes for a slightly more drinkable whiskey, but, even so, not one that I care much for.
Unfortunately, I think this is a gimmick bourbon. Few, if any barrel proof (or not) bourbons offer so little for the money. Someone, maybe a lot of someones, is not minding the Elijah Craig store. Apparently they know it and are resorting (as they all do from time to time) to chicanery.
I have never used the words 'rot gut' in regard to any bourbon before, but in terms of a value proposition, this is 'rot gut' whiskey. It pains me to write this.
I usually have some notion of how to retrieve a bourbon that is lacking in one way or another. The Marker's Mark Cast Strength mending kit dd nothing for this one, and nothing comes to mind that would. I think that Heaven Hill knew the barrels used in this Small Batch were irretrievable and there were so many of them that they asked the marketeers and accounts what to do about it.
If there is anyone out there whose experience with this boy is very different from mine, please explain what strengths you found in it.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas