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:
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.
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:
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