A little background

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a product from Heaven Hill Distillery. 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 of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof are put out every year, and this particular one is the third batch for 2020. Let’s take a closer look at the batch name. In C920, the “C” denotes that it is the third batch of the year, “9” is the month that it was released in (September), and “20” signifies the year it was released in. This batch clocks in at a 132.8 proof, and can be found in stores for around a $60 MSRP.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Dried cherries, orange marmalade, egg yolk, sugar cookie dough, and caramel.

Palate

A viscous flavor bomb! Brown sugar, milk chocolate, simple syrup, dark red fruit, and a hint of smoke. Delicious!

Finish

Long with layers of dusty dark cocoa, caramel, vanilla, simple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of orange citrus.

In closing

Wow, Heaven Hill has done it again with another fantastic Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release. Batch C920 is big and rich with a beautiful flavor profile. The mouthfeel is wonderfully thick and viscus. There is an awesome sugar cookie component that’s accompanied by chocolate on the palate that evolves into dusty cocoa on the finish. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is an incredible value and consistently one of my favorite releases. I’d recommend buying one for now and a second for later!

The sample for this review was provided by Heaven Hill Distillery with no strings attached. We thank them for the opportunity to try this bourbon.