Elijah Craig Private Barrel Pick Curve Mart St. Amant, La.

After several delays with work and a busy time for me, I am excited to be back on posting reviews.

EC Private Barrel Curve Mart

Today, I am excited to review an Elijah Craig Private Barrel Pick from Curve Mart in St. Amant, LA. This is the first of two picks I’ll be reviewing from Curve Mart and its owner, Brandon Lewis.  I met Brandon recently and was impressed with his level of customer service. He definitely strives to grow his spirits market, as well as overall business.  Curve Mart has many solid offerings from Heaven Hill, Penelope, and Old Forester, along with some nice scotches and other spirits.  The Boudin Balls are must try, and I cannot wait to try one of the Boudin King Cakes.  

Heaven Hill is one of the older distilleries that has overcome several unfortunate events, such as the 1996 fire that burned approximately 100,000 barrels and should have crippled their business. However, they persevered and continue to bring us many great products.  Heaven Hill Distillery crafts many brands, such as Elijah Craig, Heaven Hill, Old Fitzgerald, Parker’s Heritage, Larceny, Henry McKenna, Evan Williams, and everyone’s favorite Mellow Corn. Located in Historic Bardstown, Kentucky, I have been told that Heaven Hill Distillery is a must stop if you are on the Bourbon Trail.

Curve Mart is exactly what it says in its name, a gas station placed on a curve on Highway 431 in St. Amant.  The store has enjoyed a nice boom in spirits, since Brandon has taken over.  The employees are always customer service oriented, and the business offers many outstanding products beyond spirits, such as grocery and convenience items, fresh food, and catering.  Brandon has definitely built a loyal and growing Spirit customer base.  Brandon is well versed with hunters and the unicorn bottle chasers and has implemented a very fair system of rewarding loyal customers and holding regular and end of year raffles. I definitely anticipate Brandon and Curve Mart to expand its products and release even more Barrel Picks in the future.

Bottle info:

Elijah Craig Private Barrel

Picked by Curve Mart

Heaven Hill Distillery

Bardstown, KY

Proof:  123.9

Age Statement:  9 years

Price: $96.35 after tax

Color:  Mahogany

Beading:  None

Nose:

Sweet and powerful

High Complexity

Oak, slight fruit, and touches of caramel

Palate:

Power punch of flavors hits you right away.

Super solid mix of oak and sweetness but not overly sweet.

Notes of oak and caramel continue with addition of baking spices and fruit.

Finish:

The finish is long and absolutely wonderful.

Subtle and sweet, with brown sugar and slight notes of green apple.  

Rating 4.75 out of 5

This was almost my first perfect rating.  The nose is powerful and everything you could ask for in a wonderful mix. The taste is a complex mix of wonderful flavors and extremely balanced.  The finish gives my tastebuds a reward of wanting another pour.  I would absolutely put this on my top 5 barrel picks so far in 2024. It is a wonderful bottle and worth stopping in and picking up two. Fantastic job to Brandon and Curve Mart!