Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C917

This bourbon is a personal favorite. The distillery releases it three times annually in January, May, and September. Each release is marked with a four-character code indicating the release order and month, followed by the last two digits of the year. All bottles carry a 12-year age statement and typically range from around 120 to nearly 140 proof. Drinker beware. I conducted a side-by-side comparison of two releases on June 25, 2022. This particular tasting assesses two other batches. Batch B517 (62.1% ABV): Appears clear with a dark orange mahogany hue. Initially, the aroma was reserved compared to the other batch, but it opened up with aeration. The expected ethanol, typical for barrel-proof bourbon, is well-integrated with notes of root beer concentrate, mown hay, maple syrup, Thai basil, toasted marshmallow, vanilla cake, and spearmint. It finishes with cinnamon red hots and espresso, accompanied by some drying tannins and vanilla. Batch C917 (65.5% ABV): Also clear with a dark orange mahogany color, identical to the B517. However, the aroma immediately sets itself apart, being much more pronounced and vibrant, displaying candy apple, cola, chocolate-covered cherries, and vanilla with captivating intensity. The palate is similarly robust, adding sweet pipe tobacco. The vanilla finish is exceptionally long. The remarkable aromatics and intense palate easily stand up to the high proof. Exceptional; few spirits achieve this level. Comparing the two reveals a significant distinction. The B517 is quite good, but it lacks the complexity and range of the C917. If the B517 is a standard model, the C917 is a high-performance variant. This difference is substantial. Despite these variations, the consistent quality and sheer enjoyment both bottles provide underscore why I acquire every release, regardless of prior tasting. Enthusiasts can anticipate dependable excellence from each batch. With broad (though seasonal) availability and a retail price around $80, it offers outstanding value in today's rapidly changing spirits market. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Nose: Assertive - brown sugar, oak, and vanilla. Plenty of barrel influence is evident here, with smoke joining the mix. Black pepper, orange peel, thyme, and rosemary. As you adjust to the 131 proof, you start detecting peaches, apricots, and strawberries. It's worth noting, however, that while this clearly has a high-proof nose, it's not as intense as you might expect. Letting it warm and open up a bit, you also get banana and roasted peanut. Hot cinnamon, nutmeg, and anise, too. This is exactly what one would anticipate from a high-octane rendition of a classic bourbon. Nothing wrong with it at all. Palate: A strong hit of oak, hot cinnamon, apricot, char, and brown sugar. Anise and nutmeg are still present. Good tannin, with some barrel bitterness joining in. Orange rind and orange bell pepper. Medium mouthfeel. The finish starts with a lot of ethanol, cinnamon, nutmeg, and strawberry. As the ethanol gradually subsides, cashews and peanuts emerge, along with cocoa and leather. It concludes with the burn, barrel bite and bitterness, and some rosemary and anise. The finish here is very long. Other notes: I received this bottle as a gift (along with some others) and was very eager to try it. This is big, bold, extreme fun. Is it the most complex thing on the market? Absolutely not. But much like Stagg Jr., Bulleit Barrel Strength, and Knob Creek Single Barrel, this is the type of high-octane enjoyment I appreciate. And for its category, it's quite good.

The nose is a wonderful burst of charred oak, marshmallow, smoke, vanilla, peppery rye spice all wrapped up in leather. This immediately comes across as full and remarkable, very tempting to take a sip. The palate is dry yet rich and chewy, enveloping the mouth in a strong burst of rye spice, charred oak and vanilla. It is immediately very intense on first visit. Sweeter notes of toasted marshmallow and brown sugar come out on further visits, but this stays spice dominant. It's truly wonderful in terms of being a hot whiskey. Because while it is hot, there is a lot of flavor to explore, with many nuances and a lot of depth. This is one of the best expressions from this lineup. Where the notes are distinct, simple and flavorful. It doesn't take much to describe what you smell and taste; it's all there for the taking. The finish is long and dry with a lingering pepperiness that keeps the mouth tingling with charred oak, as the sweeter notes fade into the background. The finish is simple but just what you want: spicy notes balanced by a touch of sweetness. It's incredible; as I take my last sips of this bottle, I realize it will be greatly missed after sitting on it for so many years - from 2017 back to 2014 - it's time to finish it. As I sit and watch the snowfall, this whiskey is the perfect companion, and I will miss it. But I won't be sad, because it served its purpose. It was meant to be enjoyed.

I initially purchased this after experiencing a highly-rated release from the same year. That drink was outstanding. Upon first opening this bottle, it was too intense for me and was set aside. I revisited it tonight, and it has truly come alive. The aroma is rich with caramel and brown sugar, hinting at cherry pie. The palate, now devoid of harshness, offers an intense mouthfeel without being unpleasant, bursting with flavor. Notes of oak and vanilla are prominent. The finish is lengthy with more oak and cinnamon. I am very pleased I gave it another chance, as I anticipate finishing the bottle quickly now. Cheers!

Initially, the aroma presents as sweet nail polish or remover. The palate delivers hot cinnamon and alcohol. After your sinuses and mouth have been sufficiently scorched and numbed, a secondary aroma and taste emerge, featuring oak, maple syrup, spices, and the expected delightful bourbon notes. It leaves a sting in the throat and a burn on the tongue well after swallowing. I'd have rated it higher if the proof were lower. The flavors are superb. The issue is that it feels like it's attempting to punish me with each sip. Indeed, one can have too much of a good thing.

The aroma announces this one is potent. An earthiness and some vanilla are noticeable and it opens up well with a few drops. Plenty of oak. The flavor drinks every bit of the 13 years and really benefits from water, as the ethanol is otherwise overpowering quickly. A smoother finish with water; there's actually a good amount of fruit and vanilla between the oak notes. Good, but far from my favorite ECBP tasted so far.