I just dumped a bottle of EC12 down the drain

[JPBoston]

New guy here ---

I just bought my first bottle of EC12 myself, last night. Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat as the OP.

I get a strong woody taste, and a strong hint of chocolate (which is pretty much a first for me in my bourbon tasting -- very nice for the second it lasts)... but then it finishes with an extremely dry, very astringent 'yech' taste.

I can accept flavor profile differences in small batches... but when quality itself is compromised, I can't keep coming back to it in hopes of hitting the lottery.

[Josh]

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't a quality product. It just means you don't like how it tastes.

[JPBoston]

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't a quality product. It just means you don't like how it tastes.

Judging from the near-universal praise of this whiskey --- and also the amount of discussion regarding fluctuating quality, and the amount of people reporting to be former fans who have recently received very bad bottles... I'm going to assume I'm not crazy and I got a bad bottle.

The only question mark is it's my first attempt at EC12, so of course, there is a possibility that this is just 'how it tastes'... but I have a feeling it is not.

[Brisko]

New guy here ---
but then it finishes with an extremely dry, very astringent 'yech' taste.

Come back to it after it's been open for a couple of weeks. I've had similar experiences with a variety of bourbons and this effect seems to wear off with breathing.

[JPBoston]

Come back to it after it's been open for a couple of weeks. I've had similar experiences with a variety of bourbons and this effect seems to wear off with breathing.

Sounds like a plan --- will do.

[WhiskyToWhiskey]

EC 12 is not too much money so all is not lost. This batch thats woody and bitter might make a good mint julep. It wouldnt be overly sweet and the ice would knock the unpleasant tastes out too I would think.

[sailor22]

A Manhattan might be an option. The Vermouth should mitigate the dry finish and the drink wouldn't be too sweet.

[BourbonJoe]

I just dumped a half bottle of Elijah Craig 12 yr down the drain.
Jimmy

Been there, done that. I don't buy it anymore. I won't take the chance.
Joe

[Stu]

They say different strokes for different folks, I'd rather have an EC 12 than a Weller and I'd rather have an EC 18 than a Pappy 15, but then, I'm an Islay lover.

[ILLfarmboy]

They say different strokes for different folks, I'd rather have an EC 12 than a Weller and I'd rather have an EC 18 than a Pappy 15, but then, I'm an Islay lover.

I think Scotch folks generally gravitate to the drier profile.

I like EW SB well enough and I like 4R SB once in a while. Perhaps becoming a fan of the Wellers shifted my preferences so that EC 12 was no longer as tasty to me. Add in the occasional fluctuations that bottling is known for, and that's probably the answer as to why I gave up on it.