Cracked open an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batch A125. It's a 10 year, 7 month aged product weighing in at 118.2 proof.
Smell some cinnamon, oak, and hints of cardamom and amburana.
First sip, sans water or ice—which I'm sure I'll need!—, reminds me of amburana aged whiskies. Some leather. Didn't pick up a lot of strong flavors. The swallow is fire. Moving straight to some water! LOL.
After adding some filtered water, I pick up some caramel creme brûlée. The heat dies down, but still lingers. Smell of amburana has intensified—which may or may not be psychosomatic, I really like the smell. Next sips pick up some cherry. The finish seems to hint at some citrus. Still quite hot, so time to try out some ice.
Smells much sweeter after adding some ice... ...honey, maybe? Pick up more cherry with a “brighter” sip. The finish is reminiscent of a cab or a Barolo. Not the tannin bit.
An interesting dram. Off to just enjoy it.
Cheers!
Uffda! -ath0