Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 2023 Release
Get ready for ECBP’s 31st exciting release, titled “A123”! This Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 2023 bourbon release is finding its way to a liquor store near you. Moreover, after being released to a warm welcome in 2020, Larceny Barrel Proof is back again for 2023 as well with a Batch A123 of its own.
These expressions of Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys share a release schedule, as well as a batch number. While they are also both cask proof offerings, that’s where their similarities stop. Nonetheless, Keep an eye out each January (the letter A), May (“B”) and September (“C”), when you can find yourself another taste from this truly special spirit nationwide – all at $69.99 SRP!
SEE ALSO: Bourbon Release Calendar 2023
2023 Batches
Once you decode the label, you’ll understand why the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Larceny Barrel Proof share the same batch number. In this instance, that is Batch A123. The A represents the three yearly releases: A, B, or C. The next number represents the month of the year, in this instance 1 for January. Lastly, the 23 represents the year, in this instance 2023.
Table of Contents
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is an uncut or barrel strength version of their Small Batch 12-year-old Bourbon. This whiskey is bottled straight from the barrel without chill filtering. This produces a bolder expression of the Elijah Craig Small Batch product, which is regularly 90 proof bourbon.
Fun fact on the man behind this brand, it is suggested that Elijah Craig was the first person to use charred oak barrel aging. This product in particular uses a char number 3. Each batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has a different ABV, and Batch A123 comes in at125.6 proof. This is just about a point higher than the prior release.
This specially blended bourbon features a robust mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye. Aging twelve years in the barrel before being bottled at 125.6 proof without chill filtration makes it bolder than past versions of this whiskey series that have come out since 2013 — with some batches having reached as high as 140.2!
Overview:
- Proof: 125.6 Proof
- ABV: 62.8%
- Age Statement: 12 Years Old
Review & Tasting Notes
Color:
Bright bronze hue
Aroma:
Vanilla, Caramel, toasted marshmallow, oak notes and nuttiness
Taste:
The taste incorporates notes of caramel, oak, bold rye spice, and of course warmthat the back of the palate
Finish:
The finish features notes of cinnamon, bold rye spice, charred oak, caramel, andfades slowly then lingers as it cools
SEE ALSO: Parker’s Heritage 2022 Double Barreled Blend Bourbon Release, Price, Review, and Proof
Release Date & Availability
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof hits liquor store shelves January, 2023. It will be available in a limited number of retailers through the brand’s current national distribution zone.
Proof & ABV
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at125.6 proof. The 125.6-proofing is the equivalent of 62.8% ABV. This cask strength bourbon will cling to the walls of your whiskey barrel tumbler, due to the heavy alcohol content, and droplets will move slowly down your drinking vessel.
Mash Bill
The mash bill of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 is E 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye. This mashbill is essentially the same for the standard expression of Small Batch.
MSRP & Secondary Price
This 2023 Limited Edition release is available in a 750ml bottle which resembles a similar looking bottle the distillery uses for the most of its releases with only a small distinction that signifies Barrel Proof. This Bourbon Whiskey series from Heaven Hill has an MSRP of $70.
Suggested retail pricing is officially set for $70. With limited distribution, we feel a secondary price of $100 on the latest 2023 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey for sale is still fair in the current bourbon market.
SEE ALSO: 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Returns to Bardstown, KY in September
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523
Age doesn’t necessarily define greatness, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 is proving just that with its latest EJ BP batch. Heaven Hill, the masterminds behind this bourbon, are shaking things up by ditching the 12 year age statement and embracing a more variable approach. Although the first release after this change is younger, don’t fret just yet. The final batch of 2023 will be the oldest one yet, putting any age-related concerns to rest.
Consistency has always been a strong suit for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, but lately, the quality has been slipping. By relaxing the age statement requirement, Heaven Hill’s blenders are given the freedom to unleash their creativity. Batch B523 showcases the benefits of this approach, offering a slightly younger bourbon that trades some heaviness for a lively and vibrant flavor profile.
Gone is the typical heavy caramel nose, replaced by a warmer and more inviting aroma of stewed apples. Nutmeg, vanilla, and oak still make an appearance, but with a twist. The palate is the true star of the show, boasting flavors of golden raisins, honey graham crackers, and sweet bread pastry that you wouldn’t typically associate with this brand. The finish delivers on the expected spice, with dry rye spice, black pepper, and barrel char adding the perfect contrast.
Batch B523 isn’t a return to form; it’s a bold new direction for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Sometimes, a brand needs to shake things up to break free from a creative rut. While there have been many decent batches in recent years, few have truly stood out. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 is a game-changer, redefining what it means to be an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon. Get ready to taste the future of this iconic brand.
Overview:
- Proof: 124.2
- ABV: 62.1
- Age Statement: 11 Years and 5 Months
Review & Tasting Notes
Color:
Deep Amber
Aroma:
Caramel with toasted oak, fruit notes of apple and orange
Taste:
Rich vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch along with spices of black pepper & cinnamon at the back of the palate
Finish:
Nicely layered showcasing all flavors, fades slowly then lingers as it cools
SEE ALSO: 2021 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Larceny, Bourbon Release
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof BourbonC923 release is a good way to close out the year for ECBP! The nose is a knockout, with an enticing blend of rye, barrel, heath bar, and leather. And hold on tight, because the palate is ridiculously rich and thick, delivering a burst of cinnamon candies, rye, barrel, roasted vanilla bean, and chocolate.
But let’s not forget about the other important details that make this bourbon special. The color is a deep amber, already setting the stage for an oaky tasting experience. As you swish this cask strength bourbon around your bourbon glass, you will inevitability find long legs starting to form on the glass. The aroma is a delightful combination of caramel, toasted oak, and fruity notes of apple and orange.
When it comes to the taste, get ready for a party on your palate. You’ll be treated to the bold flavors of rich vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch. At the back of your palate, you’ll experience a blend of black pepper and cinnamon spices.
The finish fades slowly, inviting you to savor every last sip. And as it cools, it lingers on your taste buds, leaving a lasting impression.
Now, let’s talk proof. This particular release clocks in at a mighty 133 proof, making it one of the stronger batches. But keep in mind, every batch varies in proof, adding to the excitement and uniqueness of each bottle.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has been solid pick, not overly inflated by secondary pricing relative to some allocated releases. If you can score it at MSRP it’s a great experience for the value, giving you the opportunity to taste EC bourbon in its purest form. It’s uncut and straight from the barrel, ensuring that every sip is a true representation of the legacy and craftsmanship of the Heaven Hill Distillery.
Overview:
- Proof: 133
- ABV: 66.6%
- Age Statement: 13 Years and 7 months
Review & Tasting Notes
Color:
Deep Amber
Aroma:
Caramel with toasted oak, fruit notes of apple and orange
Taste:
Rich vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch along with spices of black pepper & cinnamon at the back of the palate
Finish:
Nicely layered showcasing all flavors, fades slowly then lingers as it cools
“As with every batch, we are constantly balancing all the attributes (rickhouse site, floor, 12 years of age) to achieve the depth of flavor Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has come to be known for. We knew we had some lower storage barrels for the past couple batches and even used some higher aged barrels in them to ensure the maturation was in line with the rest of the brands’ expressions.”
– Heaven Hill PR
FAQs
How much should I pay for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof?
Heaven Hill suggests the retail price is $70 per 750-ml. bottle. However, we’ve been hard pressed to find it for that pricepoint. The secondary price could fetch $100 however.
Is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 12 years?
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is essentially an uncut 12-year old Small Batch bourbon, which is bottle straight from the barrel.
Is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof good bourbon?
Like a lot of expressions out of the Heaven Hill Distillery, we believe Elijah Craig is a value buy in general. That’s of course if you enjoy the Heaven Hill Distillery distinct style.
How often does Elijah Craig Barrel Proof come out?
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release happens in three waves annually. Each of those three releases will be slightly different expressions from the prior.
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