A little background

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a product from Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Named after the founder of bourbon, Reverend Elijah Craig, this whiskey packs a 12 year age statement and is bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration. Three batches are put out every year, and this particular one is the first for 2023. Taking a closer look at the name A123, the “A” denotes that it is the first batch of the year, “1” is the month that it was released in (January), and “23” signifies the year it was released in. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 is bottled at 125.6 Proof (62.8% ABV) and has a retail price of around $69.95 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Chocolate, tobacco, stone fruit, caramel, and oak

Palate

Caramel, vanilla, oak, chocolate, and oak

Finish

Cinnamon, baking spice, dark berries, leather, tannic oak

In closing

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is consistently a fantastic Bourbon release and batch A123 is no exception. At 125.6, I found the alcohol to be more integrated than most previous batches of Elijah Craig Barrel proof releases. The tasting experience starts with a very pleasant nose that is full of rich oaky notes with chocolate and stone fruit. The palate and finish are exceptional, but not your standard ECBP release. Tannic oak dominates, but the experience is well complimented by deep rich flavors and a wonderful mouthfeel. To no surprise, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 is another wonderful release.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Heaven Hill Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.