Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 12 Year Old Batch #11

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 12 Year Old Batch #11 is a highly sought-after early release from Heaven Hill’s acclaimed barrel-proof bourbon series. Released in May 2016, Batch #11—commonly identified as B516—was matured for 12 years and bottled straight from the barrel at an extraordinary 139.4 proof (69.7% ABV).

Batch #11 belongs to the original run of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases produced before the 2017 bottle and labelling redesign. Presented in the now-collectible original “pirate bottle”, it was the penultimate release in this early packaging, followed only by Batch #12 later in 2016. Its combination of a full 12-year age statement, exceptionally high barrel proof and discontinued presentation makes it particularly desirable among collectors of early Elijah Craig and Heaven Hill bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Dense oak, rich caramel and vanilla with dark plum, cherry, leather, toasted nuts and sweet tobacco.

Palate: Full-bodied and intensely concentrated with caramel, vanilla, dark cherries, cinnamon and heavily charred oak, developing layers of leather, tobacco and warming barrel spice.

Finish: Exceptionally long and powerful with dark cherry, seasoned oak, cinnamon, tobacco and lingering sweet barrel char.