Category: Brian’s Whiskey Reviews

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 Review:

reviewed 15-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B523 BOURBON REVIEW:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 (ECBP B523) offers hints of ethanol, and an inviting aroma of roasted corn, grain, with fruity notes and spices. An alcohol bite accompanies flavors of barrel tannin, sherry notes, rich sweetness and a little oak. B523 achieves a nice balance with a creamy body and is surprising easy to hold despite its high proof. In the glass, it forms droplets and liquid legs after each sip. The finish is long with notes of roasted corn, dark fruits, and spices, and the empty glass retains the scent of alcohol and oak sawdust, offering a fine conclusion to the pour.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B523 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523

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: 62.1% (124.2 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: May 2022
Fair Price: $94.54 (BoozApp, Sept 2023)
Paid: $79.95 (Summer 2023, Idaho)
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Batch number identifier: B523
▪”B” Second release of the year
▪”5″ Released in May
▪”23″ Released in 2023

Learn more at Heaven Hill.

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 the pours, four once review amounts went into Glencairn and a Weck. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B523 NOSE:

The aroma of ECBP B523 is warm and inviting, with distinct notes of roasted corn and grain and with heavy draws, a hint of ethanol emerges. Fresh scents of blueberry, caramel apple, currants, and raisins add a vibrant sweetness as allspice, nutmeg, and white pepper complement rich undertones of brown sugared pastry and graham cracker. This sweet scent is furthrt enriched by rich vanilla, brown sugar, caramelized sugar, and buttery Kraft caramels. A little light molasses and toffee round out the profile, while subtle pecan notes add depth to elements of dry oak sawdust and hazy toasted wood.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B523 PALATE:

ECBP B523 offers a warm and noticeable alcohol bite. Barrel tannins and sherry notes provide a robust foundation, while roasted corn and grain add depth. Syrupy berry nectar, currants, and raisins add fruity sweetness, and are enhanced by hints of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye. Dark, bittersweet chocolate and rich vanilla build richness and pair well with caramelized sugar, brown sugar, and dark chocolate toffee. The flavor adventure concludes with dry, heavy, and strong oak, barrel spice and char undertones, culminating ia a touch of leather earthiness.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP B523 achieves a reasonable balance, with a dominant sugar profile but there is a noticeable presence of wood and spice. Its body is creamy, viscous, and oily, but does give an aggressive tickle on the palate. Surprisingly, it’s relatively easy to hold considering its high proof. In the glass an inverted crown of fast-falling droplets hangs in the bowl. And after each sip, a sheet of liquid descends from the rim of the glass, before it breaks into fast-dissipating legs to transport the dregs into the dark, old oak-colored pool.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B523 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 finishes long, accompanied by a slight bite, with a dry, warm sensation on the back of the palate. Notes of roasted corn and dusty grain remain, as does the essence of dark dried fruits while hints of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper provide a lingering spice. Brown sugar and dark toffee, along with the dry, heavy, and strong oak, with barrel char and leather undertones cap the experience. After enjoying the contents, the empty Glencairn glass retains the scent of alcohol and damp oak sawdust, providing a lasting olfactory reminder of the experience.

MY RATING: 92/100

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

Click 92/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 Review:

reviewed 14-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A123 BOURBON REVIEW:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 (ECBP A123) offers an engaging aroma with an initial presence of ethanol. There is a potpourri of fruit tree blossoms accompanied by earthy fire roasted sweet corn and dusty grain. Aromas and flavors combine, with hints of tart apple, currants, raisins, and figs. Cinnamon, ginger, and green pepper carry through as well, complementing light vanilla, simple syrup, and woody caramel with undertones of pine nuts, dry sawdust, toasted wood, and damp soil. ECBP A123 does give an intense ethanol-driven bite at the first sip but the nice blend of dark dried fruits, spices, and sweetness counters the heat. The pour is well-balanced and has a viscous texture, albeit a bit challenging on the tongue. Its exceptionally long finish is warm, dusty, and has a slightly bitter, dry oak presence.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A123 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123

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: 62.8% (125.6 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: January 2023
Fair Price: $91.32 (BoozApp, August 2023)
Paid: $79.95 (Spring 2023, Idaho)
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Batch number identifier: A123
▪”A” First release of the year
▪”1″ Released in January
▪”23″ Released in 2023

Learn more at Heaven Hill.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

I poured the first one and a half ounces from the newly opened bottle into our Infinity Bottle Project, mixing the sample with the bourbon already in the bottle. Then, after pouring four ounces into a Glencairn and I savored the bourbon neat while preparing this review.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A123 NOSE:

On the initial whiff of ECBP A123 get a strong presence of ethanol, challenging but inviting. With heavy draws, I can distinctly feel the proof in my eyes as they water. In the intensity, I sense a delicate sweetness of fruit tree blossom potpourri mingling in earthy fire roasted sweet corn and dusty grain. As I nose on, hints of faint tart apple, currants, raisins, and figs treat my nose, while citrus notes provide a fresh contrast. Cinnamon, ginger, and green pepper add spice to complement light vanilla, simple syrup, woody caramel, and dark toffee. Beneath it all, a foundation of faint pine nuts, dry sawdust, toasted wood, hazy barrel char, and the earthy aroma of musty, damp soil add depth.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A123 PALATE:

The first sips of ECBP A123 have a pronounced bite and burn, primarily driven by the presence of ethanol. Amidst the intensity, rustic flavors of field corn and dusty grain spare with dark dried currants, raisins, and figs. Thier rich sweetness, is enhanced by a cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye spice blend. In additional sips I detect chocolate nibs and light vanilla alongside brown sugar, buttery caramel, and dark chocolate toasted pecan toffee. The the flavor train arrives at the station with a dry, strong oak presence, accented by toasted wood and char, with hints of leather alluding to the bourbon’s age.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP A123 exhibits a somewhat unbalanced profile with sweet and wood elements slightly more pronounced than flora, fruit or spice. A123 is a bit challenging to hold on the tongue due to its intense nature. Once the heat subsides, the bourbon is quite viscous, though it can feel prickly, rough, and gritty on the tongue. In the glass, it presents a broken clinging droplet crown with hundreds of micro drops. As the liquid is sipped, a thick sheet forms, then breaks into long clinging legs to provide paths for the liquid to drop back to the burnt amber colored pool.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A123 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 delivers an exceptionally long finish of notable intensity on the back of the palate and in the throat. Hidden in the finish I sense notes of dusty grain along with dark dried currants, raisins, and figs while cinnamon, ginger, and pepper provide additional warmth. As the last dram is downed, dark vanilla and a hint of nearly burnt caramel make their mark as slightly bitter, strong, and dry oak, accompanied by deep barrel char, add depth and complexity in this bourbon’s final moments.

MY RATING: 89/100

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

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

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922 Bourbon Review:

reviewed 13-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C922 BOURBON REVIEW:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922 (ECBP C922) presents with a fiery aroma of acetone and ethanol, which mellow nicely over time. Hints of sherry, roasted sweet corn, and fruity syrup mix cinnamon and white pepper along with dark sweets and wood are common throughout the aroma, palate and finish. Despite its high proof, the bourbon becomes creamy and viscous with time, leaving thick droplets on the glass. C922 finishes medium-long, dry, and warm, and the empty glass retains an aroma of dark fruit and wood.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C922 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922

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: 62.4% (124.8 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: September 2022
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Fair Price: $92.32 (BoozApp, August 2023)
Paid: $79.95 (Idaho, Fall 2022)
Batch number identifier: C922
▪”C” Second release of the year
▪”9″ Released in September
▪”22″ Released in 2022

Learn more at Heaven Hill.

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 the pours, four once review amounts went into Glencairn and a Weck. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C922 NOSE:

The aroma of ECBP C922 opens fiery with notes of acetone and ethanol, but my nose adapts quickly to the heat. Once it does, hints of sherry and the scent of roasted sweet corn blend with red and blueberry syrup, faint tart apples, plum, and fresh citrus. The naturally sweet aromas are enhanced by spices of cinnamon, white pepper, and a subtle hint of rye. The sweet fragrances continue to unfold in layers as graham cracker with buttercream frosting, chocolate cream, and light vanilla add a dessert like quality to tones of buttery caramel, honey, and a touch of light maple syrup. Cashews add a nutty dimension, while damp seasoned oak and and the subtle sensation of petrichor lingers in the background.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C922 PALATE:

In the first sip, ECBP C922 delivers an initial bite with a slight burn. Like on the nose, I detect warm sherry and sweet corn notes. Similarly, flavors of blueberry syrup, plum, fresh citrus, and plump gourmet raisins, in a brine of ginger and cracked black pepper come to mind. The flavors continue to mimic the aromas as light vanilla in chocolate cream fade into hints of dark brown sugar, dark molasses, and dark toffee now poured over macadamia nuts. More tasting mirrors as dry, heavy old oak with hazy, char and smoky sweet notes along with a touch of ashes and subtle soft leather add an earthy balance.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP C922 has nice balance in its fruit, spice, sweet and wood components. Although the initial sips may feel a bit gritty on the lips, and despite its high proof, C922 becomes creamy, viscous, and oily the longer it is held. With its thick inverted crown and fat clinging droplets in the glass, evenly spaced, long, and thick legs form to transport the remainder of each sip back to the burnt amber-colored bowl.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF C922 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922 offers a medium-long, dry, warm finish which lingers on the roof of the mouth and the back of the tongue. Much like found on the nose and palate, it carries notes of sherry, dark currant fruit leather, and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. The finish also showcases sensations of brown sugar, dark molasses, and dark toffee, accompanied by the presence of dry, heavy oak and char and subtle leather notes add complexity. Interestingly, even the empty Glencairn glass retains an aroma of dark fruit, dry wood, and char, offering a lasting reminder of the bourbon’s character.

MY RATING: 88/100

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

Click 88/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922

Back to …

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