10 Best Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bottles: Taste Guide (2023)
Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate bourbon experience, look no further than the remarkable flavors of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.
Having tasted its diverse offerings, we’re here to guide you through the finest variations of this delicious bourbon, ensuring an extraordinary bourbon experience.
So, what are the best Elijah Craig Barrel-Proof versions you should try? Check them out below.
Top 10 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bottles (Ranked)
1. A122
Average Price: Around $100/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 60.42% ABV
Nose: Rich rye, vanilla tea, hints of corn
Palate: Oily chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Batch A122 surprises us with its complex aroma and flavor on the mouth. We like its well-balanced, buttery finish with subtle spice and cola notes, making it a standout choice.
Bourbon does for me what the piece of cake did for Proust.” – Walker Percy, American Writer
While water may enhance its syrupy quality, it’s already a masterpiece in a glass, rarely needing any “touch-ups.” We consider this the best batch (among other drinks) we’ve tried from Heaven Hill.
2. C920
Average Price: Around $129.99/750ml (Fine Cask)
Alcohol Content: 66.45% ABV
Nose: Rich oak and brown sugar
Palate: Intense vanilla, corn, baking spice
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: We find Elijah Craig Batch C920 from Heaven Hill, an exceptional bourbon for its bold character. If you seek complexity and intensity, this is a must-have!
Like every bourbon review we’ve encountered, its high 133-proof amplifies the rich notes, providing a delicious and memorable sipping experience.
3. B518
Average Price: Around $96/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 66.7% ABV
Nose: Rich caramel and oak.
Palate: Intense molasses and spices
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: This great ECBP Batch B518 boasts bold notes, providing a classic bourbon profile. You can serve it in a Glencairn glass neat or over ice.
Its high 133.4-proof amplifies the intense notes, making it a standout choice for those seeking a robust and memorable experience.
4. B520
Average Price: Approximately $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 63.6% ABV
Nose: Rich coffee and tobacco
Palate: Rustic and heat
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: With a 12-year age statement, Elijah Craig Batch B520 impresses us with its bold notes, giving the classic bourbon profile.
While not as high in proof (127.2-proof) as other batches, it delivers a satisfying balance of flavors.
5. A120
Average Price: About $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 68.3% ABV
Nose: Sweet vanilla and oak
Palate: Sweet caramel and baking spices
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: If you like sweeter bourbon, Elijah Craig Batch A120 boasts an exceptional harmony of sweetness and spice.
This drink delivers a bold and captivating experience, making it one of our top choices for an outstanding sip.
6. B519
Average Price: Around $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 61.1% ABV
Nose: Rich caramel, oaky
Palate: Intense vanilla and spice
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: We like Elijah Craig’s Barrel-Proof Batch B519’s delightful balance of bold flavors and smooth finish.
Its high proof brings out a robust character, making it a must-try for bourbon enthusiasts seeking complexity and depth.
Read: Top Bourbons On The Rocks
7. A119
Average Price: Approximately $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 67.6% ABV
Nose: Notes of dark fruit
Palate: Rich caramel and spice
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Batch A119 boasts a remarkable blend of fruity and spicy elements, making it a captivating sip. Its high proof and bold character are perfect if you seek a robust bourbon with a hint of complexity.
8. C922
Average Price: Approximately $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 62.43% ABV
Nose: Oak and dark fruit
Palate: Bold toffee and spice
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Batch C922 drivers a compelling blend of flavors. While it may be intense, it’s an excellent drink to savor, especially for those who like a robust bourbon [1] with depth and character.
9. C921
Average Price: Approximately $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 60.1% ABV
Nose: Inky leather, wood spices
Palate: Rich wood sugars, leather, nutty cola
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The C921 bottle gives the wild whiskey [2] Western vibe – an excellent, surprisingly enjoyable sipper.
We agree with other reviews; the deep cola notes balance the dryness. Besides, it’s bold and complex, making it an interesting choice.
Read: Top Barrel Proof Bourbons
10. B522
Average Price: About $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 60.52% ABV
Nose: Rustic, chocolate, and orange
Palate: Dry rye, coffee, hazelnut
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: We like the fragrant nose of Elijah Craig Batch B522. But, we don’t recommend this for beginners as the taste can be overwhelming, though it provides sweet notes on the mouth.
“In Elijah’s barrels, flavor becomes a timeless masterpiece, sip by sip.” – Liquor Laboratory
If you want to tone down the bold taste, water helps balance and enhances its sweetness and citrus and cherry hints.
*Note: Average prices are based on Drizly and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
How long is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Whiskey aged?
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, from Heaven Hill, is typically aged 12 years, contributing to its rich and complex profile.
How much should I pay for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Whiskey?
How much you should pay for Elijah Craig Barrel-Proof depends on the batch. There are several batches, and the suggested retail price can vary, but it’s typically around $55 to $100 (or more) per bottle.
What are the batches of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP)?
There are different batches of ECBP, with a release of three batches yearly. Every release has its own ABV, with the first batch released in 2013.
Note: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches lack specific year markings on the bottle. To identify a release, refer to the proof and batch number stated on the label.
How often does Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Whiskey come out?
The release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is typically done in batches (with batch numbers), with approximately three different batches each year.
Key Takeaways
Heaven Hill Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A122 reigns supreme, offering an enticing blend of rich taste and balance. It’s a good sipper that can elevate your drinking experience.
However, the journey doesn’t end there. Don’t miss the exceptional C920 and B518, each showcasing their unique profile. We suggest you discover these treasures and savor the diverse delights they have to offer.
References:
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/things-you-never-realized-about-bourbon-whiskey
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey
