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:
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.
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:
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