Ah, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof…my one time go-to, everyday drinker. This brand has seen some stuff. Age statement changes, inconsistency, proofs too high, proofs too low (for some people), messaging all over the place.

Here’s the thing…for the age (let’s say 10+ years, with one outlier at 13+) and proof (even the 118.2 proof, you jaded fire-breathers), $74.99 isn’t a bad price. It’s just…so damn inconsistent. After the Pirate Bottles gave way to the current packaging in 2017, there were a few fantastic batches - A117, B518, B520 - and a lot of meh ones. After the mehs became more common than the great, I switched to Jack Daniel’s Barrel Proof. Same-ish proof, maybe less age, but more consistently good (even accounting for single barrels rather than batching).

I do tend to like the B batches most, though. I genuinely think the time of year matters - it’s not so cold that the whiskey is near-dormant when dumped, nor is it too hot so the whiskey is unbalanced and more oaky. Still looking for someone to examine that thought scientifically…

This sample was provided by Heaven Hill at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525: Specs

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Producer: Heaven Hill Distillery

Mashbill: 78% Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

Proof: 126.2º (63.1% ABV)

Age: 11 Years 6 Months Old

Location: Kentucky

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525 Price: $74.99

Official Website

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525: Tasting Notes

Eye: Breakfast syrup. Medium rims hold globs with a few drops falling.

Nose: Opening up a summer-warm warehouse and getting smacked in the face by bourbon goodness. Spiced vanilla custard, not too much oak or proof. Dark chocolate Raisinettes and maple sugar. Nice dose of barrel char, too.

Palate: Pleasant proof heat grows quickly ahead of maple sugar and white pepper, settling mid-palate. Mild astringency, dark brown sugar, candied pecans with dark fruits in a fancy trail mix. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, holds up to the chew, coating and a touch spicy. Still very little astringency. Brown sugar on fire and tip-of-the-tongue heat.

Finish: Flash of heat, barrel char, and wood vanilla without the woodiness. Coating, quick-drying, hints of orange in an old fashioned. Medium-long.

Overall: This is a great bourbon, and fits in my tradition of liking the B batches of ECBP the most. Hits all the right notes for flavor and value. Doesn’t quite make it past the 8+ mark, but there’s really nothing I can find wrong with this. B batch for the win!