Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922

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

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522 Review:

reviewed 12-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 BOURBON REVIEW::

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522 (ECBP B522) offers an aroma which begins with mild ethanol notes, allowing delicate fruit blossoms and a medley of spices to come through. Its flavors of sweet corn, dark cherries, and confectionery delights, complement toasted pecans and smoky undertones. Spices of cinnamon and ginger intermingle with sweet and bitter elements, ending in a long, dry, and throat-warming finish. The flavors are bold, with a warming, balanced, and surprisingly smooth character. The complexity extends to the feel, where the liquid transforms in the mouth to become viscous and oily.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

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: 60.5% (121 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: May 2022
Fair Price: $96.20 (BoozApp, Sep 2023)
Price: $69.95 (Summer 2022, Idaho)
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Batch number identifier: B522
▪”B” Second release of the year
▪”5″ Released in May
▪”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 B522 NOSE:

Despite its high proof, the ethanol notes of ECBP B522 are surprisingly mild. A delicate bouquet of light fruit tree blossoms mingles with inviting sweet corn, dark dried cherries, currants, raisins, mixed in a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper, and rye spice. This aromatic symphony is rounded out by light vanilla and a medley of candy corn, caramel corn, light brown sugar, buttery caramel, and nutty toffee. Nearly hidden, are toasted pecans and a touch of fresh-cut oak which add depth, while hazy toasted wood and smoky sweet undertones add complexity.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 PALATE:

At first sip, ECBP B522 delivers bold undeniable warmth which borders on hot, yet I sense a surprising smoothness. After my mouth adjusts to the heat, sweet corn jousts against the richness of dark dried cherry fruit leather blended with cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye. After the unusual pairing, hints of light vanilla counter burnt sugar and dark molasses. To add to the bitter, walnut notes emerge, accompanied by the presence of robust oak, which imparts a charred and ashy feeling that lingers on the palate.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP B522 leans slightly unbalanced and towards the dominance of wood. From the first mouthful, there’s a subtle tickle under the tongue, to indicate its potency. However, with time, the liquid becomes highly viscous and delightfully oily, coating the mouth in a luxurious texture which encourages saliva production. In the glass, a solid inverted crown, with regularly spaced, long clinging legs indicate richness and its burnt amber hue hints at depth and maturity.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B522 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522 lingers long after each swallow leaving a dry and throat-warming sensation which is surprisingly manageable, given the proof. As I contemplate, herbal notes emerge, accompanied by a blend of spices, including cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye. I sense dark molasses and hint of walnut, which add both a subtle sweetness and bitterness. And like found on the nose and palate, the strong and heavy oak presence with a touch of char and campfire ash is undeniable and add to B522’s depth.

MY RATING: 86/100

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

Click 86/100 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 B522
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B522

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 Bourbon

Brian’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 Review:

reviewed 11-September-2023

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 REVIEW:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 (ECBP A122) offers diverse aromas, including an initial ethanol assertiveness. Then come sweet sherry, fruit blossoms, and a symphony of spices. Each sip delivers a subtle ethanol burn, dryness, and harmonious notes of sherry, sweet corn, ripe berries, and caramelized apple, enhanced by spices and decadent sweetness. ECBP A122 showcases a balanced interplay of wood, sugar, and fruit in a relatively creamy texture despite its high proof. The long finish unfolds with a subtle burn, evolving with hints of oak, spice, char, and leather, adding depth to the pour.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 VITAL STATS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

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: 60.4% (120.8 Proof)
Availability: Tri-anual Limited Release
Release Date: January 2022
Batch number identifier: A122
▪”A” Third (last) release of the year
▪”1″ Released in January
▪”22″ Released in 2022
NABCA CSC #: 17917
Fair Price: $105.49 (BoozApp, Sep, 2023)
Price: $69.95 (Spring 2022, Idaho)

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 a Glencairn and a Weck. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 NOSE:

Initially, ECBP 122 presents with an assertive presence of ethanol owing to the pour’s high ABV. As my nose acclimates, I sense sweet sherry and delicate fruit blossoms. As nose on, ripe berries and the freshness of caramel dipped apple slices, garnished with a single maraschino cherry and a squeeze of fresh citrus drift in. Then come spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and white pepper. These aromas form the backdrop for brown sugared pastry and crushed graham crackers. The sweetness continues as rich vanilla adds allure to caramel corn and toasted marshmallow dipped in buttery brown sugar caramel. As if these confections are not enough, cashew toffee makes an entrance. Behind the sweets, a faint touch of tooled leather fades in and out. And in the balance of aromas, dry oak sawdust counters a piney aspect, then intermingles with barrel spice, char, to add a touch of smoky sweetness.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 PALATE:

The first impression of ECBP A122, is one of dryness, accompanied by a subtle but noticeable burn attributable to the ethanol content. Notes of sherry become evident, as roasted sweet corn and ripe berries contribute harmony, while the presence of baked caramel apple adds a comforting sweetness. Careful sipping reveals more delicate fruit notes, including dark ripe plums and a hint of banana. The flavors awaken the spice cabinet, as cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, pair with rich undertones of vanilla. The flavor journey deepens with decadent brown sugar, buttery caramel, and macadamia toffee. As the tasting continues, sawdust and dry oak along with barrel spice and char, provide balanced depth. When the woodiness fades, a subtle memory of old books, adds a unique touch to this intricate flavor profile.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
ECBP A122 exhibits a solid balance of wood, sugar, and fruit. From the first sip, it immediately elicits salivation, indicating its well-blended aromas and flavors. The inital texture on the tongue is rough and gritty, adding an interesting tactile dimension to the experience. The body of A122 is notably creamy, although this quality can be a bit challenging to detect as the proof asserts itself. In the glass, a thin crown with inverted clinging droplets hangs above the burnt amber pool while after each sip, fast draining legs break from the rim.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF A122 FINISH

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 has a notably long and impactful finish. As each waft and sip is savored, I get a subtle, lingering burn, which gradually seeps down the esophagus, turning dry and warm as it passes. Be careful though; the ethanol presence may offer an uncomfortable Kentucky Hug, a warming embrace characteristic of high-proof bourbons. Avoiding this, the flavors of sweet corn and dark stone fruit continue to evolve, accompanied by a medley of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, while rich vanilla, brown sugar, buttery caramel, and toffee notes contribute a satisfying sweetness. Near the end of each fading swallow, the influence of dry oak and barrel spice, along with subtle hints of char and leather, add depth and complexity to the finish.

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 A122
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

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