I have only been drinking bourbon for about 3.5 years at the time of this review. Elijah Craig was on of the brands that I cut my teeth on and the Barrel Proof took my love for bourbon to a whole new level. It is also the brand that started my war against the New Hampshire Liquor Commision and how much I hate their business which I believe does not look out for the consumer as much as it does the bar owner.
Case in point at the time of this review C923, B524 and C924 have never been on the shelf here in NH. In fairness they haven’t been at the bars either. I have heard from various sources that these bottles are currently in the warehouse but haven’t been released.
So now a days I go to Massachusetts for my liquor where the prices if you know where to look at the same if not better than New Hampshire and the selection is astronomically better.
This release marks the 36th in the series. Generally speaking the A bottles are bottled in January, B in May and C in September. In 2023, Elijah Craig moved away from the aging being a consistent 12 years and now each release has its own age statement.
| Batch | Proof | Year |
|---|---|---|
| C924 | 129.0 (Aged 11 Years) | 2024 |
| B524 | 119.0 (Aged 10 Years, 9 Months | 2024 |
| A124 | 119.0 (Aged 10 Years, 9 Months) Read Our Review | 2024 |
| C923 | 133.0 (Aged 13 Years, 7 Months) | 2023 |
| B523 | 124.2 (Aged 11 Years, 5 Months) Read Our Review | 2023 |
| A123 | 125.6 Read Our Review | 2023 |
| C922 | 124.8 | 2022 |
| B522 | 121.0 | 2022 |
| A122 | 120.8 | 2022 |
| C921 | 120.2 | 2021 |
| B521 | 118.2 (Lowest Poof) | 2021 |
| A121 | 123.6 | 2021 |
| C920 | 136.6 | 2020 |
| B520 | 127.2 | 2020 |
| A120 | 136.6 | 2010 |
| C919 | 136.8 | 2019 |
| B519 | 122.2 | 2019 |
| A119 | 135.2 | 2019 |
| C918 | 131.4 | 2018 |
| B518 | 133.4 | 2018 |
| A118 | 130.6 | 2018 |
| C917 | 131.0 | 2017 |
| B517 | 124.2 | 2017 |
| A117 | 127,0 | 2017 |
| C916 | 136.0 | 2016 |
| B516 | 139.4 | 2016 |
| A116 | 138.8 | 2016 |
| C915 | 135.6 | 2015 |
| B515 | 139.8 | 2015 |
| A215 | 128.0 | 2015 |
| C914 | 140.2 (Highest Proof) | 2014 |
| B514 | 134.8 | 2014 |
| A314 | 140.2 (Highest Proof) | 2014 |
| C913 | 133.2 | 2013 |
| B713 | 137.0 | 2013 |
| A313 | 134.2 | 2013 |
Editor’s Note: If you notice an error above please contact us.
Bourbon Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
ABV: 64.5% (119 Proof)
Age: 11 Years, 0 Months
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co. (Heaven Hill)
Location: Bardstown, KY (USA)
The Nose: Deliciously warm and inviting the nose of the Elijah Craig C924 serves up cinnamon, baked apples and a touch of brown sugar all on the initial pull. The pour was left sitting in my glass as I had to head outside to move my car for snow removal where I live so it got to breathe for a solid 20 minutes. Additional pulls from the glencairn glass reveal toasted oak, vanilla and corn.
The Taste: The initial sip is bold and powerful with ginger and nutmeg sprinkled on top of charred oak. Subsequent sips continue to see a subtle ginger with an abundance of caramel and nuances of black cherries.
The Finish: I was really caught off guard with the finish that has an abundance of sweet vanilla frosting that lingers nicely as the heat from the initial sips dissipates from the digestive tract. I found it so enjoyable that I paused longer between sips taking it in until it faded away. Additionally the finish has hints of tobacco and oak.
Conclusion: While every pout is different and some are not as good as others the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of my favorite releases. Looking back at my review of the A124 there is a lot of similarity between the two. However, I found the tasting components to be far more identifiable on the C924. For something that comes in at 129 proof I found it to drink about 15 points lower which should make it easier for all you lightweights.
Is it the best release to date, probably not (as I haven’t had all thanks to the NHLC) but it is damn good and worthy of of a couple of bottles should you still be able to find them.
Score: 94
Price: $74.99
