Elijah Craig Private Barrel 9 Year Old Single Barrel Select Bourbon Brothers Australia Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

This 9 year old was drawn from barrel #6284680, Rickhouse MM on Floor 4. Tasted against Bourbon Brother's 8 year old 'sister' selection, the differences weren't dramatic, however, just one year is enough to make a noticeable change in the warm Kentucky climate. In this example, the flavours are more oak driven and there's a little more astringency and pepper kick on the palate. If you're new to Bourbon, that spiciness means it's not quite as approachable as the eight, but nothing that couldn't be settled by a few drops of water. Splitting hairs, this is the slightly drier, spicier number, with the vanillas curbed until the finish. It also benefits from air contact. When considered side by side, the two barrels make for an interesting tasting. 47% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the importers... Nose: Brown sugar, toasted oats, copper tinge and vanilla. Palate: Splash of oily richness that warms up brown sugar, baking spice, cardamom, vanilla, oak and all spice. Finish: Long finish with a lingering note of peppercorn and macadamias.