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:
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.
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.
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WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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