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:
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.
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:
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