We’re only a bit late attending to the ultimate Elijah Craig Barrel Proof launch for 2023, however right here we’re finally. As a refresher, with ECBP B523, producer Heaven Hill dropped the 12 12 months previous age assertion and let the age of ECBP float. Whereas B523 was shy of 11 1/2 years previous, C923 is significantly older, hitting 13 years, 7 months. At 66.5% abv, it’s additionally the most popular launch since January 2020.
Proper off the bat, C923 charms with huge cinnamon notes on the nostril alongside restrained fruit and a few mint, although these are rapidly tempered by char and a not insignificant lumberyard high quality. Hearty and peppery, it doesn’t come off as austere as I might have anticipated from the additional age, although it’s removed from shy within the booze division. With time in glass and/or water, conventional bourbon aromas of vanilla caramels start to dominate.
As anticipated, the palate is totally scorching, and water is certainly on order if you wish to absolutely benefit from the expertise. At cask power, the bourbon gives a powerful observe of brewed tea, backed by a load of contemporary baking spice. The tea leaf is difficult to shake, for higher or worse, although parts of darkish chocolate and ample char come into the fold quickly sufficient, with a greener bay leaf character evident as properly.
I dosed this whiskey with just a little water, then just a little extra, and whereas I hoped this is able to mood the warmth whereas letting the extra evocative flavors coalesce, this actually wasn’t the case. The cinnamon observe from the nostril turns into stronger, as does the brewed tea character, however any trace of fruit fades away, as does a lot of the vanilla-laced sweetness. The end stays very drying, peppery, and over-charred — however most of all it’s surprisingly one-note compared to the nostril and assault — although maybe unsurprising given its almost two additional years of barrel time.
ECBP C923 goes to get (or is already getting) numerous hype on account of its significantly increased age, nevertheless it’s lengthy been mentioned that age will not be the identical factor as high quality. C923 is decidedly palatable and worthwhile — not often has an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof launch been in any other case — however don’t get suckered simply because there’s a 13 as an alternative of a 12 on the label. There will definitely be extra of those old-timers to come back.
133 proof.
B+ / $85 / elijahcraig.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C923 (September 2023)
$85
