Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 700mlKentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 40% ABV | Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KentuckyThe Father of Bourbon's Signature PourNamed after Reverend Elijah Craig, the Baptist minister often credited with pioneering the use of charred oak barrels in bourbon production, this small batch expression reflects over two centuries of Kentucky distilling heritage. Produced by Heaven Hill in Bardstown, it combines barrels aged 8 to 12 years, selected to balance structure and accessibility. The mash bill - 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye - is the same as Heaven Hill's bonded range, offering a consistent thread of flavour and style across their core portfolio.On the nose, there's vanilla bean, caramelised sugar and toasted oak, with undertones of dried fruit and a whisper of smoke. The palate opens with toffee, baked apple and a touch of cinnamon, framed by nutty praline and soft clove. While bottled at a lighter 40% ABV, it retains a satisfying texture and balance, leaning more toward smoothness than heat. Oak and spice persist in a medium-length finish, underpinned by honeyed grain and faint tobacco leaf.Final ThoughtElijah Craig Small Batch is a welcoming gateway to traditional bourbon character. It captures history, structure and gentle complexity in an accessible bottling - ideal for sipping neat or mixing with elegance.