I have to say, I'm very excited about this top 5 list.  This Fall weather is PERFECT for Double Oak pours and I'm just as eager as you are to find out which are the best!  The unfortunate thing about any ranking list is that someone (or some bottle) has to be last.  In this instance it is the Elijah Craig Toasted bourbon.  By no means, does this insinuate that this is not a good bourbon, it definitely is one that I enjoy and will keep around but this turned out be quite a competitive tasting and this one wasn't able to match up with this others.  

Per Heaven Hill "The process begins with fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, which is made up of barrels aged 8-12 years.  The mingled small batch is then re-entered into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel at full barrel proof.  This custom toasted barrel was designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company and made with 18-month air dried oak; its first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time."

Stats: NAS (blend of 8-12 yr barrels); 94 proof; 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley; $49

Verdict:  Obviously with all of these there's going to be a moderate to heavy dose of oak, it's just a matter of how much and how it plays with the other flavors.  This one to me is fairly spice heavy, which I didn't expect.  Initially some cinnamon that moves to more nutmeg and then to peppery hot spice on the finish.  I also get some...nuts??? Yep, nuts.  I thought it was Jim Beam I was sipping at first but after the reveal, I was shocked.  Of course you get some chocolately-smokey-charry type flavors as well but they're somewhat muted underneath the dry oak tannins and spice.  A solid, nice pour for the upcoming holidays but the spice dominance dropped it lower on the list, for me.