Elijah Craig Small Batch 12 Year Bourbon, as the name suggests, used to be aged for 12 years. However, it is important to note that this particular expression has been discontinued and replaced with a non-age-stated version. The decision to no longer age it for 12 years was made by Heaven Hill, the distillery behind Elijah Craig.
The reason behind this change is that Heaven Hill needed to allocate their older barrels for their more premium, older releases. As bourbon ages, it becomes more complex and develops deeper flavors. These older barrels are highly sought after, and Heaven Hill made the decision to reserve them for their limited editions and higher-end expressions.
While it is understandable that some enthusiasts may be disappointed by the discontinuation of the 12-year age statement, it is important to remember that aging is just one factor in the overall quality and character of a bourbon. Many non-age-stated bourbons can still be exceptional in their own right, as they are carefully crafted by master distillers who use their expertise to blend and select barrels that offer a desirable flavor profile.
In the case of the current non-age-stated version of Elijah Craig Small Batch, the focus is on maintaining the consistency and flavor profile that fans have come to love. By removing the age statement, Heaven Hill has the flexibility to use a combination of different aged barrels to achieve this desired flavor profile. This allows them to maintain a consistent product, even if the specific aging process may vary from batch to batch.
It's worth noting that age is not the sole determinant of a bourbon's quality. While older bourbons often command higher prices due to their rarity and the time it takes to mature, there are many exceptional bourbons that are aged for shorter periods. The skill of the master distiller, the quality of the ingredients, and the overall craftsmanship all play a significant role in creating a great bourbon.
Elijah Craig Small Batch 12 Year Bourbon was indeed aged for 12 years before it was discontinued and replaced with a non-age-stated version. The decision to change was made by Heaven Hill in order to allocate their older barrels for their more premium releases. While the absence of an age statement may disappoint some, it is important to remember that age is just one aspect of a bourbon's quality and character. The current non-age-stated version of Elijah Craig Small Batch still offers a delicious and consistent flavor profile, crafted by skilled distillers.