Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C924

For a significant period after my initial encounter with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, I avoided it, finding it unimpressive. This was largely due to my inexperience as a whisky drinker, perhaps six years ago, when a bottle purchased based on its reputation offered only overwhelming heat. My palate likely shifted from 80-proof spirits to whatever high proof that particular batch held. Subsequently, I tried an Elijah Craig Single Barrel store pick from Sommers Point, NJ, which at 94 proof was watery, weak, and bland. Even mixed drinks made with it tasted only of the other ingredients. It shared a certain resemblance to Rittenhouse Rye, another overhyped dram I'd describe as weak and flavorless. (An aside: My wife recently bought Rittenhouse after I told her it was bland and poor quality because her preferred YouTube bartender influencer, Anders, highly recommends it. Despite my warning, she purchased it and then discovered I was correct, appearing surprised by my accuracy. 'He called it a bourbon lover's rye,' she stated. 'Did you hear yourself?' I responded. 'Doesn't that sound inherently flawed from the outset?') Returning to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, I revisited it in 2022. While I much prefer Larceny Barrel Proof, I do purchase ECBP whenever a new batch is released. It used to be priced at $65 here, and now it's $75. Even though I find the widespread fervor surrounding it somewhat overstated, I still consider it worth that price. Many have lamented a decline in quality since the removal of the 12-year age statement, but I find it quite consistent across batches, displaying notes of vanilla, oak, caramel, cherry, and cinnamon. While certain batches are marginally superior to others, its consistency is notable. Until now. Curiously, this barrel proof bourbon drinks like a barrel proof rye. Almost. And that's not nearly as disappointing as describing Rittenhouse as a bourbon lover's rye. It's actually quite good, but not as exceptional as ECBP typically is. What I mean is, this might be the spiciest ECBP I've ever had. The spice is dominant. It's like a pumpkin spice bourbon with notes of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon all blended together. The expert reviewer here emphasizes the cherry flavor, and yes, it's somewhat present. However, the palate and finish are overwhelmingly about the spice, with a faint hint of cherry reappearing at the very end, creating a sensation like a Luden's cough drop. Overall, this is likely my least favored batch in recent memory, though still not a bad drink. I've never been one to rave about ECBP, but I also wouldn't refuse it. Our relationship has been complicated, with a period of absence last year when C923, supposedly the best in years, wasn't available in my state, which annoyed me slightly. Oh well. I found both A124 and B124 to be quite satisfactory. This particular batch is slightly above average. Usually, when I enjoy a bottle, I'll buy a second one, but that won't be happening here.

While the barrel-proof Elijah Craig is almost universally well-received, I acquired this by mistake, selecting it while browsing without much consideration. Fortunately, I obtained it for $5 under MSRP, and I'll take any opportunity in The Wasteland. I don't typically consult reviews before purchasing, but I've encountered several mentions of an intense cinnamon candy note, and even one comparing it to my most affordable preferred Heaven Hill rye whiskey. I also don't recall the labels for this barrel-proof range always showing the age; I'm unsure of the typical bottling age range, but for $70, an 11-year age statement is very impressive given the current American whiskey landscape. The aroma is striking and powerful even from a distance, but what's even more remarkable is the color, strongly suggesting a chocolate mahogany hue, creating that perfect straight-from-the-barrel visual. The legs are nearly stationary, which is always a rare find in the American market. Delving deeper into the glass, the nose reveals notes of maraschino cherries and heavily charred oak, blending sweet wood sugar with a gentler baking spice characteristic of a toasted barrel. Initial flavors strongly echo the oak's duality noted in the aroma, with abundant cinnamon and spicy spearmint notes reminiscent of a classic American full rye whiskey. The palate begins to warm and the sensation lingers, but it's not overly intense, aggressive, or distracting. Some red berry and spiced French oak notes emerge with aeration, and the finish retains the baking spice and oak, replacing the berries with that cinnamon spice. Very few barrel-proof American whiskeys offer concentrated spice and flavor without being excessively potent, but the Elijah Craig brand excels in this regard. This particular batch exhibits less cinnamon spice than is common in some other batches, instead highlighting softer oak flavors and, surprisingly, baking spice notes typically found in less charred barrels. The cinnamon spice I anticipated isn't as pronounced as I'd prefer, but it's still adequately present and complements this excellent example of what unadorned mash bills, undiluted spirit, and patient, overlooked aging can produce.

Glad to have acquired this, though most ECBP expressions have been readily available locally for a while, with the exception of the much-hyped C923. The pour presents as a deep amber or mahogany in the glass. Slow-moving legs coat the sides after swirling. The aroma is robust and immediate, a powerful wave of sweetness and dryness that's hard to distinguish. The sweetness resembles a thick cherry syrup, accompanied by hints of toffee and brown sugar. The other element is a dry, dusty scent akin to dried corn stalks used for decoration. This dryness supports the dense, syrupy sweetness without overpowering it. After several sips, a distinct vanilla cream note emerges. The initial taste is subtle on the front palate, becoming warming and slightly medicinal at the back. With further sips, the front palate remains elusive but reveals notes of caramel, cherry, subtle oak, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The medicinal character subsides at the back, replaced by a mild, drying oak effect. Later, the mid-palate brightens with fleeting notes of lemon and allspice, perhaps even anise. The finish begins with a brief intensity that quickly mellows, allowing the drying oak to return and linger. Subtle traces of cinnamon and cocoa powder appear on the mid-palate. The experience gradually fades after a considerable duration. This is truly excellent spirit. The flavors are rich, but the individual components are intertwined, making them challenging to pinpoint. This makes it easy to appreciate but difficult to articulate. It lives up to ECBP's established reputation for quality and value. (Where I am, this costs barely more than two bottles of EC Small Batch.) It's exceptionally tasty with no discernible faults, earning high marks from me. 4.25/5

The aroma is robust and full of sweet and spicy notes; vanilla custard, caramel flan, cinnamon bear candy, nutmeg, candied ginger, dates, dark rye bread, tobacco, and cherry. The ethanol is very low considering the proof. The flavors are rich and decadent; chocolate-covered cherries, caramel sauce, French vanilla, peanut butter, sweet oak, raisins, and molasses. Delightful. The exceptionally long finish offers pink peppercorn, cinnamon, anise, more oak, a bright apple note (very welcome!), clove, and barrel char. The mouthfeel is sublime; thick, chewy, and slick. This is a truly cohesive whiskey with no faults. Yes, yes, I know, “ECBP is declining!” Well, if this is considered declining, it still surpasses 90% of the bourbons available. At a slightly elevated price of $89.99, it remains a joy and a bargain, even if it's not the absolute 'best' batch.

Thick oily legs in the glass. The aroma has leather and barn hay, with a hint of pecans and candied apples. Especially considering the alcohol content, there's not much burn. Overall, a very pleasant aroma. The palate brings fall spices, hot cinnamon candies, and black pepper, making the edges of the tongue tingle. Sweet pecans appear as the heat fades. The finish lingers with a touch of smoke. Ice mellows the heat and allows the fruit to come forward. A nice sipper, and surprisingly smooth for 129 proof.

The nose is rich and sweet, with notes of vanilla, caramel, fudge, and hints of peanut, raisin, and allspice. The palate is initially dominated by vanilla and caramel, with peanut notes appearing mid-palate. The finish delivers heat and spice, with an oaky and leathery quality that is quite drying and lasts a long time.