Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Some people may think nothing interesting happened in 2020 besides COVID-19 hitting the global economy. But not for Heaven Hill because it became the best time to release their Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120.
Here’s a comprehensive review of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120 – price, tasting notes, and everything you must know about this American whiskey.
All About Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120 is a Kentucky straight bourbon aged in Kentucky rickhouses for 12 years. It is uncut and straight from the barrel, so you can enjoy it as Master Distillers do.
The Elijah Barrel Proof A120 is produced by Heaven Hill distillery, and this is the first batch of barrel proof in 2020.
The proof shines through at 136.6 and features a mash bill containing corn, rye, and malted barley.
Interesting Facts
History & Origin
Elijah Craig A120 was released in January 2020 by the Heaven Distillery.
The proof on each cask varies from batch to batch, giving each unique opportunity to explore the influence of the angel’s share and proof in a small batch.
The batch number A120 can be interpreted this way:
- The first letter is the year’s batch release.
- The second digit is the month of the year.
- The third and fourth indicate the year.
To sum it up, A120 was the first release in 2020 (January).
Distillation & Production Process
Elijah Craig is made using the finest grains of locally grown corn, rye, and barley. Heaven Hill distillery managed to preserve the bourbon-making tradition of Elijah Craig.
The grains are milled and mixed with Kentucky limestone water before fermentation and distillation.
Unlike other bourbon whiskeys, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A120 Kentucky straight bourbon is non-chill filtered and uncut from the barrel to preserve the natural flavor profile of the aging process.
Maturation
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A120 is aged 12 years in new charred oak barrels. The level three char creates aromatic and rich layers to the first barrel-proof batch in 2020.
Maturation in oak casks gives the spirit its signature tasting notes and appearance [1].
Mash Bill
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A120 is a delicious bourbon from 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
It is a common mash bill ratio widely used by Heaven Hill in most Elijah Craig expressions.
Bourbon lovers will agree that mash bill plays a vital role in the tasting note, just like the production and aging process.
Age Statement & Alcohol Proof
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A120 does not have an age statement on the label but is aged for 12 years based on the Heaven Hill Distillery website.
High-proof bourbon fans should try the spirit because the resulting proof is relatively high.
The batch presents a whopping punch of 136.6 proof (68.3%), and its cask strength ranks 7th in the ABV- out of 9 years.
Ownership & Distillery
Heaven Distillery distills Elijah Craig A120, located in Bardstown, Kentucky. It is the largest family-owned distillery in the world, so it is no surprise that it produces fine and premium bourbon whiskey.
The Shapira brothers owned the distillery and began their journey in the whiskey world in 1935.
Tasting Notes
- Palate: Rich vanilla, butterscotch, caramel apple, black pepper, cinnamon, rye spice, toasted marshmallow, brown sugar, rye spice, sticky barbeque sauce, and ashy palate
- Nose: Toasted oak, caramel apple, brown sugar, fruit notes, dulce de leche, ethanol, vanilla, cocoa, citrus, baking spice, and chocolate-covered cherries
- Color/Hue: Deep amber
- Finish: Long lingering heat, layered flavors, sweet vanilla, oak, and digging deeper, the Mexican vanilla arrives, along with cocoa and graham cracker notes.
Common Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A120 Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120 | 750 ml | 68.3% | About $59.99 |
*Average prices are based on Sip Whiskey online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Compared to Other Bourbons
E.H. Taylor, Jr.
E.H Taylor Jr is an expensive alternative for Elijah Craig because the 750 ml bottle price of E.H. Taylor is roughly $299.99.
However, this whiskey features an amazing aroma of cooked berries, rich caramel, and slightly floral on the nose.
Moreso, on the palate, the whiskey contains a distinct flavor of powerful rye, dried oak, pepper, and toasty vanilla with long lingering heat.
Larceny Barrel Proof
Larceny has a lower proof compared to Elijah Craig A120. However, Larceny is slightly more expensive because a bottle is approximately $87.99 per 750 ml.
Based on the review sample, it has a deep and rich flavor profile, but since it has been aged for 6-8 years, it has tasting notes we find lacking and can be be
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey contains a lower ABV than A120. A bottle costs around $67.99, slightly expensive, but it has a great taste and aroma.
It is a Tennessee whiskey and not a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, so if you are looking for a whiskey that will give you a campfire feel like A120, we don’t recommend it.
FAQs
Can you still buy an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120?
Yes, you can still buy an Elijah Craig A120 in online stores and liquor shops.
However, it can be challenging to find, so you might want to check out other releases for accessibilities on point.
How do you drink Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120?
You can drink Elijah Craig A120 neat, on the rocks, or as cocktails.
If you love to drink high ABV whiskeys, you should drink it neat or with five drops of water to help release the complexity of the spirit [2].
Final Thoughts
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120 is a fine whiskey with a high ABV and great flavor profile.
It is aged for 12 years in new charred oak barrels, and unlike other spirits, it is uncut and non-chill filtered.
Compared to other batches of barrel bourbons, the A120 gives us a “whoa” factor, so it is a bang for the buck bourbon. The stellar version gives the campfire feel without spending the price of High West.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/distilled-spirit/Maturation-blending-and-packaging
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/08/17/the-best-way-to-drink-whiskey-according-to-science/
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
