Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A123

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF SHOWDOWN: 2023 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 Continuing to sample ECBP bottles from my collection. I have numerous years and batches of ECBP; the only full years where I have all three releases are 2017 and 2023. I previously reviewed ECBP A123 in a comparison with its Heaven Hill counterpart, Larceny Barrel Proof A123 (October 11, 2023); however, I have not yet reviewed all three 2023 releases in a “Showdown” format. In 2017, Elijah Craig unveiled a new bottle and label. From the A117 release to the A123, the bottom of the label featured three boxes: one for proof, one for ABV, and one for batch (e.g., A123). Each bottle had a 12-year age statement. This shifted with the B523 release and continues with the C923. These labels still display the proof in the first box, but the second box now shows the age statement, which is no longer exclusively 12 years. The B523 is 11 years and 5 months; the C923 is 13 years and 7 months. I have analyzed seven years of community rating data for each of the triannual ECBP releases, averaging the 21 averages to establish a community mean for the 2017-2023 period. This will allow us to determine the group's perception of a specific release in relation to the overall average (mean). As of about a week ago: • mean(m): 4.26 • standard deviation(s): 0.14 • sample size(n): 3008 (If you are not interested in statistics, you may skip the next two paragraphs). However, I can compute the z-score for each specific release relative to the entire sample. The z-score is calculated as follows: ((mean for the specific release minus the mean for the entire sample) divided by the overall sample’s standard deviation). This metric indicates how much better or worse a particular release performs compared to the community’s ratings of all ECBP over the sample period. Assuming a normal distribution, any z-score within +/- 1.0 standard deviation is considered within “normal” limits (according to the empirical rule, approximately 68% of the distribution falls within +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations would encompass approximately 95% of the distribution; and +/- 3 represents about 99% of the distribution. Therefore, a z-score of +1.5 suggests a significantly superior release compared to the norm (and -1.5 would indicate significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 means it is better than 95% of the sample, and so on. (End of statistical analysis). Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 The A123’s color, like the other 2023 releases, is a clear mahogany, resembling Pantone 159. Aromas include caramelized sugar, root beer, pineapple upside down cake, barbecue sauce, caramel, maple syrup, chocolate pudding pie, and vanilla. There's a subtle vegetal note akin to celery seed, which adds an interesting complexity. The impressive depth and breadth on the nose carry through seamlessly to the palate, which is both sweet and spicy. The long finish features some dry leather and abundant vanilla. In my comparison of ECBP A123 and Larceny Barrel Proof A123, I scored the ECBP 4.25 against the LBP's 4.5. If those scores were accurate, I am eager to taste the LBP A123 again! The ECBP A123 is exceptionally good. Would I purchase it again? Yes. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof offers the best value in the entire bourbon market. While $80 is not considered inexpensive, it is affordable in the context of current bourbon price inflation, representing outstanding value considering its price, flavor, and proof. My rating: 4.5 Community: m=4.42, z=1.13, n=49 (significantly higher than all ECBP releases) 125.6 proof. 12-year age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 Similar to the other 2023 releases, the B523 exhibits a clear mahogany color, akin to Pantone 159. The nose is more subdued compared to the A123 (though it does become more pronounced after 15+ minutes). Notes of cocoa, pecan pie, marzipan, deep sandalwood, and a dry, dusty leather character are present. It becomes much more assertive on the palate, with cola syrup and a rich honey sweetness, and the 124.2 proof (the lowest of the group) makes its presence known. This same assertiveness continues on the finish, with the return of the dry, dusty leather note, accompanied by a slight bitterness and a hint of vanilla. I disagree with this ranking. The nose is reserved compared to its A123 and C923 siblings, and this muted nose is inconsistent with its own palate. To be fair, these are minor issues arising from high expectations. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. I have never been disappointed by any Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release, and the fact that they can be found for $80 is remarkable. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.47, z=1.49, n=69 (considerably better than all ECBP releases) 124.2 proof. 11-year, 5-month age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 Consistent with the other 2023 releases, the C923 displays a clear mahogany hue, similar to Pantone 159. The nose is abundant and intense, revealing notes of banana bread, brown sugar, rich apple pie, caramel, sweet and sour sauce, the same subtle celery seed note found in the A123, and a refreshing hint of licorice. On the palate, the flavors coat the tongue, and the strong flavor intensity effectively balances the high 133 proof. The finish features toasted marshmallow—including some that are slightly burnt from catching fire—along with hints of root beer and vanilla. Wow. Extraordinary. ECBP C923 is on another level. To my recollection, this is my favorite ECBP release to date. This bourbon can be found for $79.99, representing the best bourbon value I have ever encountered (the A123 is not far behind). Would I purchase it again? Yes. If you see any at retail, please leave a comment below, and I will be there immediately. My rating: 4.75 Community: m=4.49, z=1.64, n=69 (significantly better than all ECBP releases) 133.0 proof. 13-year, 7-month age statement. Overall, the B523 is the mildest of the group, making it the easiest to rank. It has the lowest age statement and the lowest proof (only slightly less than the A123). However, this is not a criticism; it is a very good spirit. “Mildest” is a relative term compared to the other two, and tasted on its own, that same characteristic could be perceived as “smooth.” Yet, the nose is notably absent in comparison. The A123 and C923, however, are on a different plane, offering robust aromatics and flavors from beginning to end. As I have mentioned before, these “Showdown” formats are intended to provide context among different themes rather than to definitively declare winners and losers. For the 2023 ECBP releases, however, a clear hierarchy is evident: C923, followed closely by A123, and then B523. I would happily drink the B523 neat and savor every sip. Furthermore, my assessment is not influenced by the May release’s somewhat lower age statement (11 years, 5 months) compared to ECBP’s typical 12 years. It simply lacks the incredible intensity found in the January and September 2023 releases. At some point in the future, I plan to compare ECBP B523 with Larceny Barrel Proof B523; perhaps the ECBP will present differently in that comparison. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

For some time, I've harbored resentment towards Elijah Craig, regardless of its celebrated status. I'm certain I consumed the Small Batch years ago, before focusing on what I was drinking, mainly because it was affordable and readily available. My initial purchase of an Elijah Craig bottle was a barrel proof version in 2020, prior to documenting my experiences. That bottle was acceptable, though perhaps a bit intense, but given the widespread acclaim, I anticipated something extraordinary. Following that decent Barrel Proof, I tried a single barrel store pick from a shop near Ocean City, New Jersey, which remains my lowest-rated whiskey on this platform. Frankly, it tasted like diluted alcohol. It was the same 94 proof as the Small Batch, but I would have been better off with the Small Batch given the inferior quality of the store pick. I used it as a mixer, but it was terrible. The flavor was so faint that my Manhattans tasted only of vermouth. I felt deceived by the consistent praise for Elijah Craig as a dependable brand. This is likely why I'm revisiting it – due to its reputation for reliability. Am I truly not an Elijah Craig enthusiast, or did I just happen to select two expressions that didn't resonate with me, while others might be excellent? Currently, I acquire a bottle of whiskey each Friday to help me get through the week, though I don't consume a bottle weekly. My home bar boasts around 60 bottles, and since my purchasing outpaces my consumption, the collection grows. I try not to pre-plan my purchases, browsing the state store website before visiting a branch, with some general ideas but always open to changing my mind in the store. Additionally, the website isn't always current. For instance, despite the online inventory showing ECBP as sold out, they had just received the ECBP A123 that day. And doesn't the release of a thrice-yearly Barrel Proof feel significant, almost like a special event? Especially when the website indicates it's unavailable, the store has it, and it just arrived – perhaps that's the bottle to choose? Or is it just me? Before selecting this bottle, I browsed other options. As a rye enthusiast, I considered Pikesville but decided against it. I looked longingly at some Scotches, but the ones I desired were beyond my budget for a first purchase after my credit card statement reset. They had the Knob Creek 18, but for that price point, I'd prefer Highland Park 18, a sentiment I suspect many would agree with. So, I returned to the Elijah Craig, a bottle that felt substantial in my hand, its form and weight reminiscent of drawing Excalibur from the stone. Despite Elijah Craig recently increasing the suggested retail price to $70, our local stores sell it for $65, making it feel like a bargain. Reviews suggest this release upholds the brand's tradition of solid offerings, though it's not considered the absolute best in recent times. However, they also note a preference for wood and spice over sweetness, which aligns with my palate for bourbon. The aroma is delightful, with a scent of freshly cut lumber alongside hints of caramel and vanilla. This resonates with my preference for whiskies that evoke a summery, carnival-like atmosphere rather than an overly sweet profile, similar to my comparison of Old Tub to Jack Daniel's Bonded in recent bottled-in-bond reviews. While not a scent I'd seek for a candle, like some Scotches such as Dalwhinnie or Talisker DE, it evokes nostalgia. A spicy, oak-forward aroma reminds me of my twenties, springtime evenings after work, relaxing by an open window, watching the sunset, with a cool breeze, anticipating a night of adventure. The palate continues the spicy theme. At 125 proof, it possesses a pleasant intensity. Beyond the oak and caramel notes on the palate, there's a non-cloying sweetness, perhaps like dates or figs, with a subtle minty ethanol presence that pleasantly coats the mouth and provides a minty aroma through the nose. The finish is enduring, long-lasting, and tannic, yet not unpleasant. Overall, I'm pleased with this week's purchase. I'm hosting my father and brother-in-law tomorrow for the Super Bowl and plan to open Laphroaig Lore as a special treat, but I might also offer this at some point during the evening. Typically, when they visit, I offer a variety of spirits to showcase different flavors and styles. The question is, where does this fit in the serving order? I generally progress from lighter to more intense flavors. For instance, I was also considering Highland Park Cask Strength Release No. 2. Should I start with the Lore, move to the Highland Park, and conclude with the ECBP A123? Then offer them a choice of the three for a fourth pour? That sounds like a viable plan. Alternatively, I might improvise. I haven't tasted the Lore yet. The Highland Park Cask Strength surpasses this one. So, my tasting progression would involve increasing and then decreasing intensity according to my personal preferences. However, the Highland Park might complement the Laphroaig better. What are your thoughts? How do you structure your tastings? Do you have specific strategies? It's akin to curating a playlist, though mixtapes are no longer common, making that analogy outdated. Any insights or opinions?

Comparing two barrel-proof bourbons from the same distillery and release period. I really like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP), having many of their yearly releases. Larceny Barrel Proof (LBP) is also released yearly but is newer. The "A123" designation means it's the first release of 2023. Both ECBP and LBP come from Heaven Hill distillery. ECBP is a bourbon with rye, while LBP uses wheat. Since they share the same distiller and release timing, and have very similar proofs, a side-by-side comparison seemed interesting. A 125-proof bourbon requires a warmup, so I had some Henry McKenna first. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123: Deep color. The nose is complex, with notes of dark chocolate cherries, caramel apples, root beer, pomander, cereal, vanilla, and a hint of dust. The alcohol is more apparent than in the LBP, even with nearly identical proofs. The palate has thickness and more dark chocolate cherries, plus some espresso bitterness. The alcohol leads to a spicy cinnamon burn with apples and a touch of oak tannins, followed by a long vanilla finish. I generally enjoy every ECBP I try. This is a very good one, though not my top choice, which is a testament to the brand's quality. I aim to get every ECBP release, but they aren't always available locally, usually costing around $80. I would definitely buy this again if I could. 4.25 stars. 125.6 proof. Non-chill filtered. 12-year age statement. Mashbill: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye. Larceny Barrel Proof A123: Dark, but slightly lighter than the ECBP. Aromas of Cracker Jack, apple pie with butter, Chinese five-spice, warm cola concentrate, and caramel. The mouthfeel is viscous, similar to the ECBP; alcohol is less noticeable on the nose and palate, though present. A long finish with smooth cappuccino and vanilla notes. This LBP A123 is incredible, like a comforting meal by a fire. I found this at an out-of-the-way store but plan to return. I don't remember the exact price, but LBP usually costs $60-70. I want more! Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Don't miss this one. 4.5 stars. 125.8 proof. Non-chill filtered. 6- to 8-year age statement. Mashbill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Barrel-proof bourbons are my favorite because they aren't diluted. Both are non-chill filtered, preserving more natural esters and fatty acids. It's a more authentic experience, straight from the barrel. Both A123 releases demand attention, as a barrel-proof bourbon should. They are captivating and rich, and can be overwhelming if you're not prepared, yet you'll want more. The LBP A123 is exceptionally good. It's highly aromatic, coats the palate, and feels comforting on the tongue. It's smoother than the ECBP (though the ECBP is still smooth; this might be due to the rye in ECBP versus wheat in LBP). The LBP's finish is very long. Despite being a devoted ECBP fan, I prefer the LBP in this comparison, given the same distiller, similar proof, and different ages and mashbills. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

The aroma starts with red delicious apple, pipe tobacco, wood varnish, leather, sandalwood, and caramel. There's a noticeable amount of unwelcome ethanol present. (I understand it's barrel proof, but I've encountered higher proofs with less intensity) This specific bottling smells more like a boosted Elijah Craig Small Batch, which... might not be ideal. The palate picks things up again with rich vanilla, Rollo candy, graham cracker pie crust, apple, date, black cherry cola, and milk chocolate. All the flavors on the palate are various shades of sweet, yet it avoids becoming cloying, which I attribute to the overall profile not being overly rich. In this instance, that might be a strength rather than a weakness. The finish arrives very quickly with ice cream sundae, cinnamon, clove, oak, and a lengthy, spicy burst of peppermint and cinnamon that seems to go on endlessly. While I appreciate long finishes, I'm not entirely sure these are the notes I want lingering to this degree, as there's a somewhat toothpaste-like quality to it. The mouthfeel is substantial and oily, but it does have a slight graininess. More complex, less unified, and likely of lower quality compared to any of the ECBP batches I've tried. Does that make it a bad whisky? Not at all, and my relatively low score of 4.0 is less about 'this is terrible whisky' and more a reflection of the quality I've come to expect from this brand, which this particular offering didn't quite meet. The author is a user.

NEAT NOSE - A powerful burst of oak, brown sugar, and caramel. Subtle hints of vanilla and cherry are also present. PALATE - Thick texture. The nose's profile continues onto the palate, but this one is very oak-forward. However, it's surprisingly not tannic or dry. Brown sugar and caramel emerge in the middle, with vanilla and cherry on the finish. FINISH - Long. Bold, sweet, and oaky. Cherry is the last flavor as it fades. SHOULD YOU BUY? - Definitely. I'm confident this could outperform some batches of Stagg. WOULD YOU BUY AGAIN? - I've considered purchasing another bottle but am content anticipating future batches.

The aroma presents dark caramel, pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, wood, and a hint of leather. The fruity aspects are subdued but sufficient to lend depth. It's quite pleasing. The taste features prominent dark caramel, with a salty element accompanying the strong spice. It's the classic flavors of this distillery amplified significantly. Red hot candy, pepper, and a pleasant char are also present. The finish leans slightly sweet, still saturated with oaky caramel. My initial feeling was that it was a well-made pour. The more I sample it, the more I appreciate it.