Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920 Review

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

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 Review

Hannah’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 Review

Original review written on September 21, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

A good blend, unique flavors, an enjoyable pour, and another good offering from Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Is it worth $70 USD though? I’m not entirely sure, to be honest. 88/100

VITALS:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 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
– Non-chill filtered
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125 proof
– ABV: 59.1% (118.2 proof)
– Price: $69.99 USD in Idaho

For more information, visit heavenhill.com

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

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

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine ECBP Batch B521 could very easily be enjoyed in an Italian restaurant. The sounds and rich smells, tastes, and colors pair well with this bourbon and would be sure to go well with any delicious pasta or oil for bread. Make sure you don’t hesitate to get another pour!

Photo by Des Récits on Unsplash

NOSE:

Black pepper, allspice, and cherries bloom from the glass on the first inhales. Other dark fruits, like plums and raisins are present, along with syrupy sweetness like honey still in the honeycomb, caramel, and dark vanilla. The oak is rich and sweet and certainly plays a large role in marrying all of the aforementioned flavors together. There is a hint of a nutty earthiness at the tail end of the inhale, but I wouldn’t be able to hazard a guess as to which nut it is. The alcohol is surprisingly mild for a proof this high, but it can bite if you are not careful all the same.

I usually find most Elijah Craig noses to be solely spicy, and while this does somewhat match that assumption, there is so much more complexity with fruit than I anticipated. I am very much looking forward to this glass.

PALATE:
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 Review

– Mouth Feel: At the tip of the tongue, this is mellow; however, it becomes quite textured at the back of the palate.
– Balance: Solid balance. It’s complex and rich in spices and unique flavors that all come together to be surprisingly cohesive.
– Visual: Terracotta in color, a defined crown emerges, though there are few legs or droplets that cling.

– Taste: I’m surprised already by how long I can hold this at the tip of my tongue without getting an alcohol burn. Despite the minimal burn, spice still comes across the strongest on the palate, black pepper and even red peppercorns being the predominant flavors. And they are dominant enough that they even aggravate the back and roof of the palate slightly.

I get a bit of the caramel (now burnt) from the nose, as well as sudden black licorice (mild I promise), and a crispness of water chestnuts. The water chestnuts seem peculiar with these flavors, but note that it is less of a flavor and more of a sensation of crispness. Other sweetness comes from a honey glaze and a bittersweet floral element, like rose.

The oakiness of B521 is almost raw in its woodiness – completely unprocessed, and as if it is just chopped. Nevertheless, it isn’t a particularly strong flavor and sits as a background flavor more than anything. The alcohol, as stated, is still mild at the front of the palate and raspy at the back. However, when I do a Kentucky chew, the oak and black pepper become even stronger – the pepper sending needles into the tongue with the alcohol. It’s also after this chew that I realize this has a very strong potential to give a Kentucky hug as well. As such, this bourbon definitely warrants caution, despite not being overtly aggressively with its initial burn.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Long. The heat stays at the back of the palate and leaves also a lasting impression of flavor.
– Between Sips: Oak is the strongest here, and in fact, there really isn’t another strong flavor accompanying it. It’s solid oak, but not old, rather quite new.

– No More: This becomes slightly more mellow throughout the glass, I am finding. The oak is present, but many of the other flavors are now very subdued and they blend together well.

The empty Glencairn is a sweet, caramelly oak, which is different from the usual empty Glencairn I enjoy. Nevertheless, this smells great and every bit of delicious.

WORTH THE PRICE?

If you like Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs, you already know that you’re adding B521 to your collection. At $70, ECBP lovers are going to grab this regardless, just to say they’ve tried it (me!). But if you are looking for the best representation of ECBP, I’m not entirely sure you’ll find it with Batch B521. This is a very good bourbon, don’t misunderstand me. I like it, and I will enjoy it again when I have another pour. But if you are pinching pennies, I might wait for another iteration of ECBP, which come three times a year. However, if you love uniqueness, and general bourbon warmth (something I can arguably find in less expensive bottles), you won’t be disappointed grabbing this one.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF B521 REVIEW RATING: 88/100

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Elijah Craig Small Batch 2019 Idaho Batch #2 Review

Hannah’s Elijah Craig Small Batch 2019 Idaho Batch #2 Review

Original review written May 4, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

If you like wood-forward and grain in your bourbon, Idaho Batch #2 would be great for a collection. It’s a little bland otherwise, but it’s still palatable.

VITALS:
Elijah Craig Small Batch 2019 Idaho Batch #2 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 proof
– Barrel Serial Number: #25164391
– Warehouse: KK-4 (Schenley)
– Vintage Year: 2007
– ABV: 47% (94 proof)
– Price: $29.95 USD in Idaho (2019)

Visit heavenhill.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat with my sister, and father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer Brian.

Check out his review of this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I feel like this bourbon invites contemplation. Sit on the step of a stairwell, leaning against the railing in utter quiet, and let the simplicity of Batch #2 surround you in your peace.

Photo by Serhat Beyazkaya on Unsplash

NOSE:

I get a caramelly, fruit bouquet on the first inhale, with figs and prunes being particularly pronounced. There is also a dash of black pepper that makes for a bit of spice and heat, while there is a strong element of dusty and roasted corn too. Deep inhales coax out a deep vanilla, a pastry and perhaps some pecans, though they are subtle. I wouldn’t rule out other nuts either, though I’d say they were soft. It’s even possible that it could be a brown butter that is contributing to the nuttiness.

Batch #2 is quite complex, and the alcohol seems a bit more intense than just a simple 94 proof. It’s welcoming and warm, and certainly very Heaven Hill-esque.

PALATE:
Elijah Craig Small Batch 2019 Idaho Batch #2 Review

– Mouth Feel: Silky, but also slightly watery. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either.
– Balance: It’s a wood and grain forward bourbon, and while I’d like a bit of spice or fruit to back it up, I wouldn’t say it’s unbalanced. … just a little one-hit-wonder.
– Visual: Honey in color, there are long, fat legs that drop into the pool quickly, but the trails linger for some time.

– Taste: Grain comes across the palate first, and not just in a corn variety, but also in a just plain grassy way. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is surprising given that there was such an abundance of sweet flavors on the nose. The fruit is here, but it seems light and not like the figs originally found. In fact, it seems more like green grapes now. The vanilla and pastry are gone, now replaced by a simple syrup instead. An argument could be made for a white breadiness, but it’s not sweet at all – rather more chewable.

I will say, there is significantly more wood here than there was on the nose. The oak is soft and yet still forward, mixing with a sprinkling of white pepper. The white pepper isn’t hot, and the bourbon doesn’t bite. A Kentucky chew makes the grass and grain more raw in flavor, but there is a sudden, quick burst of cherry here. It disappears quite quickly though.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. I’m not convinced the warmth lingers very strongly, but the aftertaste does stick around for a while.
– Between Sips: There is a distinct taste of white bread between sips and some more of that grain. It does seem a little flat and one-dimensional, but it isn’t bad.

– No More: It does get a little sweeter the further into the glass I get, but it still isn’t anything that makes me extra excited. I think the sweetness is still coming from the bread, and maybe that’s why… fine, but not great overall.

The empty Glencairn is full of sawdust and is very warm and rich. It’s a shame that the taste couldn’t have more of this edgy wood quality to it. But it’s a solid bourbon, if not perhaps a little boring.

WORTH THE PRICE?

At $30, I don’t think we were robbed by any means. This bourbon, as it is a state pick (and one from two years ago, I must add), is exceedingly rare. But I don’t think I’d pay much more than $30 for this offering. It’s decent, but I’ve enjoyed other $30 bourbons and even ryes a bit more than this one.

ELIJAH CRAIG SMALL BATCH 2019 IDAHO BATCH #2 REVIEW ATING: 84/100

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