Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B523

A look at the 2023 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases. 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 many years and batches of ECBP; the only full years I possess for all three yearly releases are 2017 and 2023. I previously compared ECBP A123 to its Heaven Hill counterpart, Larceny Barrel Proof A123, in a head-to-head (October 11, 2023), but I have not yet reviewed all three 2023 releases in this "Showdown" format. In 2017, Elijah Craig updated its bottle and label. From the A117 release through A123, the bottom of the label featured three fields: one for proof, one for ABV, and one for the batch code (e.g., A123). Each bottle had a 12-year age statement. This changed with the B523 release and has continued with C923. These labels still display the proof in the first field, but the second field now shows the age statement, which is no longer exclusively 12 years. The B523 is 11 years and 5 months old; the C923 is 13 years and 7 months old. I've analyzed seven years of community rating data for each of the three annual ECBP releases and averaged those 21 averages to establish a community mean for the 2017-2023 period. This allows us to determine how the group perceives a specific release compared to the overall average (mean). * Mean (average score): 4.26 * Standard deviation: 0.14 * Sample size: 3008 Since I cannot gather all ratings for each individual release, I can't calculate a standard deviation for a specific batch. However, I can compute the z-score for each release relative to the entire dataset. The z-score is calculated by taking the mean score for the specific release, subtracting the mean score for the entire sample, and dividing by the overall sample's standard deviation. This metric indicates how much better or worse a particular release is when compared to the community's rankings of all ECBP over the sampled period. Assuming a normal distribution, a z-score within +/- 1.0 standard deviation is considered typical (approximately 68% of data falls within this range). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations represents about 95% of the data, and +/- 3 represents about 99%. Therefore, a z-score of +1.5 suggests a release is significantly better than average (and -1.5 would indicate significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 means it's better than 95% of the sample, and so on. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 The color of this 2023 release, like the others, 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. A subtle vegetal note, akin to celery seed, adds intrigue. The impressive depth and range detected on the nose carry through to the palate, which is both sweet and spicy. The long finish offers some dry leather and abundant vanilla. In a previous comparison between ECBP A123 and Larceny Barrel Proof A123, I gave the ECBP a score of 4.25 against the LBP's 4.5. If that assessment was correct, I'm eager to re-evaluate LBP A123! This ECBP A123 is exceptionally good. Would I purchase it again? Absolutely. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof offers the best value in the bourbon world. While $80 isn't "cheap," it's reasonable considering the current bourbon market's high prices, providing outstanding value for its combination of flavor, proof, and cost. A solid 4.5 on the platform scale. My score: 4.5 Community: mean=4.42, z=1.13, n=49 (significantly above all ECBP batches) 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 less pronounced than the A123 (though it develops after about 15 minutes). Notes of cocoa, pecan pie, marzipan, deep sandalwood, and a dry, dusty leather emerge. The palate becomes much more assertive, with cola syrup and a rich honey sweetness, and the 124.2 proof (the lowest of the group) makes its presence known. This assertiveness continues on the finish, with the return of the dry, dusty leather note, accompanied by a slight bitterness and a touch of vanilla. As of last week, the platform community rated B523 at 4.47, second only to C523's 4.49. I disagree with this ranking. The nose is subdued compared to its A123 and C923 siblings, and it feels disconnected from its own palate. To be fair, these are minor issues stemming from high expectations. Would I buy it again? Yes. I've never been let down by an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release, and finding them for around $80 is truly remarkable. A 4.25 on the platform scale. My score: 4.25 Community: mean=4.47, z=1.49, n=69 (well above all ECBP batches) 124.2 proof. 11-year, 5-month age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 Consistent with the other 2023 releases, C923 presents a clear mahogany hue, similar to Pantone 159. The nose is bold and captivating, revealing notes of banana bread, brown sugar, rich apple pie, caramel, sweet and sour sauce, the same subtle celery seed note found in A123, and a refreshing hint of licorice. On the palate, the flavors coat the tongue, and the intense flavor profile effectively balances the high 133 proof. The finish features toasted marshmallow, including some slightly burnt notes, along with a hint of root beer and vanilla. Incredible. Absolutely outstanding. ECBP C923 is in a class of its own. This is my favorite ECBP release to date. This bourbon can be found for $79.99, representing the best value I've ever encountered in bourbon (A123 is not far behind). Would I buy it again? Yes. If you see any at a store, please comment below, and I'll be there immediately. A 4.75 on the platform scale. My score: 4.75 Community: mean=4.49, z=1.64, n=69 (significantly better than all ECBP batches) 133.0 proof. 13-year, 7-month age statement. Overall, B523 is the mildest of the three and was the easiest to rank. It has the lowest age statement and the lowest proof (only slightly lower than A123). However, this isn't a criticism; it's still very good. "Mildest" is relative to the other two, and tasted on its own, that same characteristic could be perceived as "smooth." But its nose is notably lacking compared to the others. A123 and C923, on the other hand, are on another level, offering robust aromas and flavors from beginning to end. As previously mentioned, these "Showdown" reviews are not intended to definitively crown winners or losers, but rather to provide context among different expressions. For the 2023 ECBP releases, however, there's a clear hierarchy: C923, followed closely by A123, and then B523. I would happily drink B523 neat and savor every drop. To be clear, my assessment is not influenced by the May release's slightly lower age statement (11 years, 5 months) compared to ECBP's typical 12 years. It simply lacks the exceptional intensity found in the January and September 2023 releases. I plan to conduct a comparison between ECBP B523 and Larceny Barrel Proof B523 in the future; perhaps ECBP will present differently in that context. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

It's amusing to me how some whiskies prompt an immediate desire to review them right after opening, nosing, and tasting, while the experience is fresh. Others, however, require more time. I don't form immediate thoughts beyond 'that's good' or 'that's bad'; I need to spend time with the spirit before a perspective on the experience develops. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 falls into the latter category. Honestly, the delay isn't due to a lack of quality but a lack of enthusiasm for what's inside. I've heard C923 is exceptional, but I haven't managed to acquire a bottle. A recent shipment of ECBP arrived locally, and it was more B523, so I passed on buying any. This is one of those where I felt no need for a backup bottle, unlike A123, of which I purchased two. You see, while batch variation is real, I find minor differences within those variations, if that makes sense. A123 was superior to A523, but the deviations from the norm weren't significant. I rated A123 a 4.0 and, spoiler alert, I'll likely give this the same score, even though it's not quite as good. It's better than most whiskies I've rated 3.75, so it warrants a 4.0, despite not reaching A123's level. Perhaps A123 deserves an extra quarter-star, but in my experience with ECBP, the scores generally range between 4.0 and 4.25, with 4.5 reserved for outstanding batches like the rumored C923. In essence, ECBP batches are an event, unlike, for instance, Maker's Mark Cask Strength batches, which exhibit similar variation. However, I don't feel compelled to review every MMCS batch due to insufficient differentiation between them. Even with ECBP being more of an event, I feel similarly: reviewing one batch makes me question the need to review every iteration with a different code when the flavor profiles are generally alike, not identical. Ultimately, this is a very good, though not particularly exciting, whisky. The nose presents oak, vanilla, and toffee with a touch of cinnamon spice. The palate echoes the vanilla and oak, incorporating cherries and baking spice, leading to a long, pleasantly peppery finish that lingers. The nose was more pronounced in A123, allowing for clearer differentiation of aromas, though they were similar. The palate here is comparable, with dark fruit mingling with standard bourbon notes, and the finish is again exceptionally long. The primary distinction, in my view, is the nose, where A123 slightly surpasses B523. Hence, the same 4.0 rating seems appropriate. Now for the controversial part: I'd prefer Larceny BP (less aged but equally robust and flavorful at $10 less) or Maker's CS (less rounded but still highly enjoyable and $30 less in my area) because I favor wheated bourbons. However, I would still gladly drink this. It's a personal preference, not an absolute judgment. It was enjoyable enough that I finished the bottle in about two months. Perhaps my lack of excitement stems from never having encountered a truly exceptional ECBP. Oh, and the price increase from $65 to $75 between A123 and B523 in my region has certainly not helped in this regard.

Appearance: Dark amber. Smell: A powerful aroma, hinting at the high proof, but not overwhelmingly "alcoholic." It's characterized by molasses and caramel, with an expected touch of char. Taste: (consumed with a large ice sphere). The texture is exceptionally rich and thick. It begins with a bold spicy-sweet sensation, followed by a gentle warmth in the chest. These initial sips offer a great deal. A sweet aftertaste remains in the throat, along with that chest warmth. There's a "buttery" quality noted, similar to buttery pound cake. As the ice melts, notes of maple-pecan emerge (any hint of "nut" is a winner for me!), alongside vanilla. You can detect the 124 proof, yet it doesn't feel as harsh as anticipated. The flavor is more prominent than the burn, offering subtlety rather than being overpowering. I'm thoroughly enjoying this first taste. Aftertaste: A medium-long finish with more butter notes. The more bourbon I explore, the more I appreciate why higher proof spirits are so highly valued. There's a distinct advantage to proof. While I've enjoyed many bottles below 100 proof, these higher proof options truly provide greater complexity for those seeking it. I don't personally prioritize "proof" above all else, but I understand its significance to others. This is exceptionally good bourbon. I plan to purchase another bottle – if I can find one after finishing this one.

The inaugural ECBP release with an age statement under 12 years and a rather low proof; how will it compare? Nose provides some typical vanilla/caramel alongside cedar, apple, orange peel, cinnamon, spun sugar, nutmeg, and hay/grass. The alcohol vapors were somewhat bothersome, slightly diminishing the experience. Palate offers some immediate tannic oak followed by cinnamon bear candy, nutmeg, caramel-dipped green apple, subtle vanilla, golden raisin, and cherry. There's not much development in the mid-palate; everything arrives quickly and right at the front of the tongue. Finish is very long and features a bitter, dry oak along with more spices, adding allspice and clove to the cinnamon and nutmeg from the nose/palate, plus black pepper, lime, chili pepper, and a hint of peppermint. Extremely spicy. It's not from alcohol heat, but the spice is overwhelming. Mouthfeel is smooth and oily. A more spicy and tannic character than I typically find in these releases. While it is certainly a good whiskey, I am missing the sweeter notes found in other releases. Is it the age? The proof? I'm not sure, but I consider this a below-average release. At $89.99, it still earns a 4.0 (which should indicate the quality of the series) but it's not a top-tier offering.

Doesn't show much legs in the glass. Color is a deep amber. It smells sweet, loaded with cinnamon, and hints of chocolate and nutty bread. The whiskey hits the palate hard and fast, like an explosion of spice. Then comes bitter chocolate, and licorice stays on the middle of the tongue. Candied apple appears somewhere in the mix. It finishes with a big, long warmth in your chest, feeling more like a spirit around 130 proof. This isn't for the inexperienced drinker. Adding ice or water softens the aroma and taste, extending the finish and making it less dry with considerably less intensity. Cinnamon stays on the tongue for a very long time. The B's are typically my least preferred in the series annually, but this bourbon truly delivers.

The aroma is fruity, nutty, and subtly spicy. Leading the tasting are black cherry, walnut bread, and blackberry preserves, supported by the familiar EC mashbill profile. This bottling displays characteristics of previous releases, possibly with enhanced richness. It's remarkably smooth and approachable despite being over 62% ABV. Feel free to add a bit of water to fully reveal its character without diminishing it. These standard releases are a genuine pleasure, showcasing the influence of aging, climate, and barrels over time on the distillate.