Author: whiskeyfortheages

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon Review:

reviewed on 09-November-2021

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C920 BOURBON REVIEW:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon (ECBP C920) starts hot, both on the nose and palate. But once acclimated, one can get fruit, spice, sweet and wood. The bourbon is rich and oily and has one of the longest finishes I’ve experienced. This is another solid and well balanced barrel proof offering from Heaven Hill.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C920 BOURBON VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon

Category: Small Batch Barrel Proof
Region: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Distillery: Heaven Hill/Bernheim Distillery
Mashbill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Barrel Char: #3
Barrel entry proof: 125
Age: 12 Years
Non-chill filtered
ABV: 66.4% (132.8 Proof)
Availability: Tri-annual Limited Release
Release Date: September 2020
Batch number identifier: C920
▪”C” Third (last) release of the year
▪”9″ Released in September
▪”20″ Released in 2020
Price: $59.99 (2020-Idaho)
NABCA CSC #: 17917

Learn more at https://heavenhill.com/.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

The first one and a half ounces were taken out of the newly opened bottle and mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating pours, four once review amounts went into two Glencairns. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat for this review.

Check out her review for this bourbon here!

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C920 BOURBON NOSE:

The first waft of ECBP C920 is so full of potent ethanol, I altered my usually deep inhales. After several more intakes, my nose (and eyes) acclimated. Then came roasting corn, backed by a deep aroma of fermenting silage. While not unpleasant, the new scent is certainly unusual and one I have not encountered before in a bourbon. Continued nosing brings ripe berries, fresh apples, apricots, and maybe a bit of candied citrus. Spices of cinnamon, ginger, green pepper and rye balance the sweets of light vanilla, soft caramel corn, brown sugar, and toasted marshmallows along with a light drizzling of honey. While I do not pick up a lot of woodiness, I do sense pecans, light fresh cut oak and toasted wood which pairs nicely with the earthiness of crisp autumn leaves raked into piles.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C920 BOURBON PALATE:

Even before the first sip of ECBP C920 nestles into its spot in the front of my palate, I am hit with the warm bite of cinnamon red hots. Then comes roasted corn hiding in tart berries, cooked apples, cherries, and grilled peaches. As on the nose, spices of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and rye spar with bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, brown sugar, toasted marshmallows and dark honey … with some flakey pie crust and a touch of light molasses thrown in for complexity. The spice and sweets work together because they are in balance with flavors of light dry oak, earthy toasted wood and musty barrel char.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
As the liquid settles in, I am surprised at how easy it is to hold in my mouth considering the proof. While ECBP C920 gives my tongue an aggressive tickle, I find it rich and oily. After each sip, a thick clinging curtain fades into the burnt amber colored pool leaving behind a broken ring of droplets. This is another solid and well balanced barrel proof offering from Heaven Hill.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C920 BOURBON FINISH:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon bites with an exceptionally long almost hot finish. There is a slight aftertaste of mown hay and a hint of bitter citrus. But while greatly diminished, the spices and sweets noted on the nose and taste buds pass to the finish. And when the last dram is downed, alcohol and a deep earthiness of freshly sawn oak can drawn from the empty Glencairn.

THE ADDITION OF WATER

Water can often tame big, bold whiskeys and allow aromas and flavors to bloom. The addition of 2-4 drops will not radically lower the proof of the pour. Re-evaluation of ECBP C920 occurred using measured pours and precise amounts of distilled water to measure the effect.

Adding two drops to 1.5 ounces of this bourbon reduces the proof to 132.41 (down from 132.8) but doesn’t take much away from the aroma, flavors or finish. There’s still alcohol – both on the nose and in the first sip. The corn, berries and apples still mix with cinnamon, ginger, pepper and rye and sweets of vanilla, soft caramel, and brown sugar. Best of all, they balance with the dry oak, earthy toasted wood and musty barrel char. But because two drops do not alter the pour, there is no reason to add them.

Adding four drops of water to 1.5 ounces of ECBP C920 lowers the proof to 132.03. The introduced water knocks down the alcohol hit on the nose and fades individual aromas and flavors. If four drops add anything, the whiskey becomes more caramelly and oaky but without the balancing fruit and spice components. It is still a fine pour and if I were given a watered down C920 without knowing what it was, I would be happy.

MY RATING: 93/100;
… with two drops 93/100;
… with four drops 91/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof offerings are in a word, Amazing. I will buy more as I find them.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 93/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Bourbon

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Review

Original review written November 9, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

A good, hot bourbon with fruity and spicy character that fight hard for the sipper’s attention. It’s a solid addition to the bunker collection. 89/100

VITALS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Review

– Made In: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Heaven Hill Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Small Batch
– Age: 12 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=78%; Rye=10%; Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 66.4% (132.8 proof)
– Price: $59.99 USD in Idaho (2020)

Visit heavenhill.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

ECBP C920 is tumultuous like a stormy sky at a beach. The waters are wild, and the winds are brisk. You’re still outside, waiting for the brunt of the storm to hit, and everything already feels new and fresh. C920 will keep you warm while also giving you the confidence to say to the untamable waves, “Bring it on.”

Photo by Tabea Schimpf on Unsplash

NOSE:

This has the sweetness of crisp apples, and freshness of rye on the first inhale. There’s other sugars to go along with the apple, including graham crackers and light brown sugar. I also find corn, vanilla custard, orange sponge cake, all mixing with cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s even a marshmallow component that sneaks in and out of inhales. C920 is sweet, but also rich, and with plenty of depth. The oak is new, and it has an earthy nuttiness to it as well, like almonds. And for being over 130 proof, I’m surprised that the alcohol isn’t as aggressive as I anticipated. It’s certainly present, but it’s fiery in a cinnamon-y way, and it’s quite complementary to the rest of the profile of this nose. Overall, I’d say this is inviting and pleasantly original.

PALATE:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Review

– Mouth Feel: Oily. It’s juicy and rich – definitely a great property of this bourbon.
– Balance: Solid. I wouldn’t say mind-blowing, but everything is where it should be and makes for easy, contented sipping.
– Visual: Old oak in color, this leaves a distinct ring, while the rest of the bourbon falls quickly in sheets.

– Taste: I get cherries, cherry syrup, and cinnamon on the first sip in spades. The vanilla custard is still here from the nose, but there is also now some caramel to accompany it. I’ve lost the citrusy essence, but with the cherries and some other dark berry nectar, fruit still abounds. There’s a bit of dried fruit, like spicy currants and maybe blackberry fruit leather. The corn is stronger here on the palate as well, being roasted and giving off just a hint of a savory quality with its sweetness.

Don’t think this pour is strictly fruit though; the spice is certainly prevalent, and even sharp on some sips. There’s a new development of ginger to go along with the rye from the nose. It’s fresh, and the ginger adds a new textural component. The oak is there, but I wouldn’t say it’s particularly noticeable.

The alcohol is strong, but even still, I can let this sit on the tip of my tongue for some time without feeling pressured or strong burning. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, the ginger kicks up, as does the corn. It’s harsh, and since it eliminates the majority of the fruit essences, I don’t feel like it’s necessary to do another chew.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium-long. Not as long as I thought it might be, but I’m not unhappy about it.
– Between Sips: I think the ginger is the most pronounced between sips, but it still isn’t particularly strong. It merely stands out against all of the other potential flavors lingering. There’s also a bitter note that could be citrus zest, but it fades relatively quickly.

– No More: This is consistent as I go through the glass. It continues to be gently warming, and the ginger aftertaste hasn’t grown or diminished too much. I wish I had a bit more of a fruit presence, but I am still most certainly, pleased.

The empty Glencairn is vanilla and oak, and I do think it’s a good finish to a solid bourbon.

THE ADDITION OF WATER

– This section written on November 13, 2021 –

Water can often tame bold whiskeys and the addition of 2-4 drops will not radically change the proof of the pour. Rather water may help open the spirit allowing the aromas and flavors to bloom. As such, 2 and 4 drops of distilled water were added to their own respective 1.5 oz. pours of ECBP C920 to detect any potential differences:

The glass immediately smells of caramel apples with the addition of two drops. When I take a sip, I find the intensity of the caramel growing, and the alcohol is surprisingly mild. I can hold it on my palate and not even feel a burn for quite some time. With the caramel is vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and the tiniest bit of citrus zest. It’s refreshing with the two drops, but I’m not entirely convinced that it is more enjoyable this way rather than neat. But if you hesitate at the proof, two drops will certainly help without turning it into something poor.  (RATING: 88/100)

I find a sudden bit of tang on the nose with a new found oaky depth, and some sort of berry nectar. I can’t decide if I like this new smell. When I take a sip, I find that the mouth feel is now even oilier, and it makes the other flavors a bit harder to distinguish. There is still caramel; however, it seems much more woody now. The sweeter flavors are harder to find, leaving just behind the cinnamon and ginger, and now some rye as well. Overall, I think the four drops make this pour slightly on the bitter side, and I wouldn’t recommend it. I will say, that if I hadn’t known that this was ECBP C920 originally, maybe my opinion of it would be better. As such, it’s impossible to not have a calibration point where it’s easy to feel disappointed. (RATING: 86/100)

WORTH THE PRICE?

For a 130+ proof bourbon, $60 is always going to seem like a bargain to me. I don’t think this is my favorite installment of ECBP, but I am more than happy that there are more bottles of this in our bunker.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C920 REVIEW RATING: 89/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 89/100 to access other whiskeys with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

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Hannah’s Whiskey Reviews
Whiskey Reviews

Booker’s 2021-03 Bardstown Batch

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Booker’s 2021-03 Bardstown Batch Review:

reviewed on 03-November-2021

BOOKER’S 2021-03 BARDSTOWN BATCH BOURBON REVIEW:

Booker’s 2021-03 Bardstown Batch is the best release of 2021 and in my opinion, the best of all Booker’s batches I have enjoyed. My first was 2018-01 Kathleen’s Batch and I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy each release since.

Bardstown Batch is dark, with few fruit notes but equally balanced spice, sweet and woody aromas and flavors. As I was enjoying the final sips, I poured a small amount of 2021-02 Tagalong (a GREAT bourbon) to compare. Bardstown fits my profile even better. If I see another on store shelves, the bottle will have a new home in my bunker.

BOOKER’S 2021-03 BARDSTOWN BATCH VITAL STATS:
Booker's 2021-03 Bardstown Batch

Category: Small Batch Bourbon
Region: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam, Master Distiller Fred Noe
Small Batch: 2021-03 Bardstown Batch
Mash bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Casks: New Charred Oak
Barrel Char: #4
Barrel Entry Proof: 125
Age: 6 yrs., 5 months and 0 days
ABV: 62.75% (125.5 Proof)
NABCA CSC#: 16906
Price: $89.95 (Idaho, 2021)
Availability: Allocated, limited, released quarterly/tri-annually

MASTER DISTILLER NOTES:

Barrels from four production dates, aged in five different warehouses make up Batch 2021-03. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s Bardstown Batch is as follows:

▪︎27% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse H
▪︎24% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse D
▪︎19% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse I
▪︎11% came from the 8th floor of 9-story warehouse J
▪︎11% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Z
▪︎8% came from the 2nd floor of 9-story warehouse H

LABEL INSPIRATION
Booker's 2021-03 Bardstown Batch

“The third release of the Booker’s Bourbon  2021 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2021-03 ‘Bardstown Batch’. This batch honors the homeplace of not only my dad, Booker Noe, but several generations of Beam family members, including myself and my sin Freddie.

“Dad was born in Springfield, Kentucky, but spent a good amount of time in Bardstown visiting friends along with his grandfather, Jim Beam. After going to college, he moved to Bardstown full-time to join the family business.

“Dad lived in Bardstown for more than 50 years and was well known in the community for his infectious personality. He was the ultimate host, always inviting people over to the house for drinks and dinner parties. These events became well known across town, especially when Booker was serving his country ham that he would smoke right in the backyard – a practice he learned from his grandfather and one that 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe continues to this day.

“Today, I live in the same house in Bardstown that my great-grandfather Jim Beam lived in, and Freddie is right next door with his own family. Though Bardstown may be called the Bourbon Capital of the World, to us this special place is simply home. Bardstown Batch represents all of the happy times we’ve shared here, and I hope you are able to enjoy this batch along side close family and friends.”

— Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller

Learn more at Booker’s Bourbon.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Taken out of the newly opened bottle, the first one and a half ounces mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating pours, four once review amounts went into two Glencairns. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat for this review.

Check out her review for this bourbon here!

BOOKER’S 2021-03 BARDSTOWN BATCH NOSE:

Booker’s 2021-03 smells dry and has just a touch of alcohol to tease the nose. I sense herbal roasted corn, drying grain and a faint hint of rich pipe tobacco mixed with dried currants dusted with spices of faint crushed clove, white pepper and rye. The sweets are scant as well coming through as dark brown sugar caramel, molasses and rich toffee. The woody aroma is in balance both the spice and sweet as strong, heavy old oak and hazy barrel char rise from the glass. The earthy aromas seem to build on a musty theme of leather buried in potting soil. This bourbon smells good.

BOOKER’S 2021-03 BARDSTOWN BATCH PALATE:

After the 15-20 minute nosing, I took the first sip. Each taste of Booker’s 2021-03 warms the palate and throat. Herbal roasted corn provides a backdrop for dark dried fruits of Montmorency cherries flavored with spices of savory ginger, pepper and rye. This bourbon is more spicy than it is hot. The sweets are in balance as well. Buttery dark brown sugar caramel, play off of dark molasses and bittersweet chocolate covered toffee. And like on the nose, heavy old oak blends with hazy char along with a touch of earthy leather. Not one flavor overpowers but each compliments the other.

Booker's 2021-03 Bardstown Batch

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Booker’s 2021-03 is well balanced as individual aromas and flavors do not dominant and the first sip is much easier to hold than one might expect from a high proof bourbon. The liquid is viscous and its oily character helps blend the subtle flavors. At the end of each sip, a thick veil breaks into many thin fast falling legs, transporting the wash back to the terracotta pot colored pool. And as the remaining crown fades, a few drops remain in the glass.

BOOKER’S 2021-03 BARDSTOWN BATCH FINISH:

The roasted corn sensed on the nose and palate gives its faint good-bye as does the sensation of the juice of dried Montmorency cherries with a touch of cinnamon and pepper. There is the slight sweetness of dark toffee but what I feel most is strong musty and rich old oak. Booker’s 2021-03 Bardstown Batch teases with heat but in the end, has a warm medium-long finish as the aroma of an oak laden lumberyard wafts from the empty Glencairn.

THE ADDITION OF WATER

Water can often tame big, bold whiskeys and allow aromas and flavors to bloom. The addition of 2-4 drops will not radically lower the proof of the pour. Re-evaluation of Booker’s 2021-03 occurred using measured pours and precise amounts of distilled water to measure the effect.

Adding two drops to 1.5 ounces of this bourbon reduces the proof to 125.13 (down from 125.5). The water seems to enhance the aromas of roasted corn, dried fruit, rye, dark brown sugar, caramel, molasses and rich toffee. With the water, the woodiness comes through and the flavors of cherries and ginger blend with the buttery dark brown caramel. The water softens and smoothens each sip … Can it be true!?! For me, two drops of water make Bardstown Batch better!

Adding four drops to 1.5 ounces of bourbon lowers the proof to 124.77 (a 0.58% reduction from the bottling). The aromas sensed with the two drop pour seem to have blended together. Not one aroma truly stands out. At the same time I get more of an alcohol nip. Upon taking the first sip, I feel let down, yet I do like how it warms my throat. While still a good bourbon, too much water takes away from Booker’s 2021-03’s complexity.

MY RATING: 94/100;
… with two drops 95/100;
… with four drops 92/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 94/100 to access other whiskeys with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Booker’s.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Booker's 2021-03 Bardstown Batch
Booker's 2021-03 Bardstown Batch

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