Elijah Craig 12 year old Barrel Proof (Batch C922), 62.4%

Rich and layered on the nose, with butter-pecan ice cream, rum cake, jalapeño, apricot, peanut butter cookie, leather, and tobacco. Spicy herbs meld with salted peanuts and Red Hots on the palate, which, when water is added, showcases nutty brownies and whipped cream. An earthy finish brings green chiles, dried leaves, and hints of coffee. It’s a big whiskey that still shows adept balance.