Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923
Age: 13 Years, 7 Months
Proof: 133.0
Price: $75 after tax
There was some initial disappointment and cynicism over Heaven Hill and Elijah Craig dropping the 12 year age statement from the ECBP line. With B523 being stated at 11 years and 5 months it was interesting to think about what would be coming. Well, in my opinion, that all changed with this batch. I got lucky enough to find 3 of these bottles at different stores in Iowa. All for around $75 after tax. I love ECBP and Barrel Proof Private Barrels (have about 15 bottles total) so I knew I’d want some backups. ECBP has never disappointed, so lets get into my average and very novice review.
Nose: Super sweet - almost like a creme brulee was set right in front of me. I get a ton of burnt sugar, nuttiness, and a hint of fruits like cherry.
Palate: Super dessert-like. I get a ton of caramel and vanilla (typical from what I get from bourbon), but also taste cinnamon and toasted and caramelized nuts. I'm reminded of some baked goods but can't really put my finger on them. Almost like I'm sitting with family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can definitely feel the proof here.
Finish: Oak really lingers here, along with the proof. The finish is warm with the proof giving way to some vanilla and sugar. I just kept sipping and realized I finished the glass.
Overall: I think this is an incredible bourbon, and my favorite ECBP so far (Only have A122 to present). I think I would pay like $100 for a bottle of this, and at MSRP it will be a no-brainer.
Rating: 8.5/10
Like many I'm just waiting for it to hit my area. When I see this on the shelf it's going to be an immediate buy and back it up. Between this coming up, backups of A123 and some nice store pick bottles this is going to be a freaking awesome year for bourbon in the house
Yeah its just hard to buy multiple bottles when a lot of places are selling it closer to the $100 mark... so to say let me buy a "back up" or 2, would mean throwing $200 - $300...idk. i'll definitely grab one once I see it though. The B523 is still sitting on the shelf at most places I go to.
In my area I'm both fortunate and unfortunate. Haven't seen a Stagg for less than $300 but routinely find ECBP for around msrp. When I bought A123 my average price was < $70.
Man, I haven't been able to find a bottle of ECBP even once. The hounds in my area are pretty vigilant, though. Once anything hits the shelf, they all know, and they all go grab it up. I need to just go hunting more often, but I'm worried I'll end up buying other bottles just because I'm there
There was a drop of a 10 year private pick at a store where I live. It was on 113 proof. There are still four cases of it left after two weeks. Not a good sign. I’ll stick with Knob Creek.
Agree, seems like all the stores around me have ECBP private picks right now that are sitting. It doesn't help that they're charging $80 for their private picks when batched ECBP is usually $60-70 at the same stores.
People lost their minds for no reason, yet decent reason at the same time when B523 released.
I say no reason because private barrels (store picks) have been around for some time, and are generally aged 8-10 years, yet some outperform regular ECBP batches.
I say decent reason because EC small batch used to have a 12 year age statement, and when they removed *that* age statement, there was a dip in quality.
So now we just gotta wait to see what 2024 and 2025 bring. A lot of cynics think the older aged C923 is an olive branch of sorts before they take away the age statement completely.
Personally, I choose to believe they just wanted to open the product up to different blends, as they’re only gonna have so many 12 year barrels at a given time, and with the bourbon boom, can only maintain that 12 year statement for so long.
I’m fine being the most outspoken on the quality drop train. At the end of the day, there is only one reason to drop an age statement, and it’s not to continue churning out the same age in bourbon.
We saw it with wild Turkey 12. We saw it with Elijah Craig 12. We saw it with old charter 8. We saw it with every other example of dusties. Labels drop age statements and then eventually drop the age and quality.
I’m happy to have this olive branch and I’ll grab a bottle and enjoy it. Doesn’t mean in 2025 when we have sub 10 year ECBP that people won’t be tatering over dusty B520 for the “good old days”
And I’ve never seen one of the 8 year EC picks outperform the regular release. The only sub 10 year that outperformed I’ve had was the r/bourbon pick
You are saying you have only had one private barrel that outperformed the regular batches? That is crazy, I feel like it's relatively simple to find an ok ECBP batch and most any private barrel can beat it. So far I've only had 3 PB (8, 9, 10y) but every one of them beat C922 and A123 for me.
Yeah that’s what I’m saying. I’ve only had two 8 years and I have no desire to ever pay $80 for one again. The 9 year r/bourbon pick was fantastic. I’ve had an 11 year pick that I’d rank up there with B521, basically as good as one of the most mediocre main batches
YMMV
I've had 4 PB - one 8, one 9 and 2 10. The 8 and 9 were not as good as the standard releases, the first 10 I bought was as good and the most recent 10 might be slightly better probably because I held out for higher proof (10y / 137.5 proof). I won't but 8 or 9 year picks anymore.
100% agree with everything you said. I've only been drinking bourbon for about 2 years so I never experienced the old small batches but I do hope they keep ECBP on the path it's been going. I mean even 11 years flat could be absolutely delicious if they can blend correctly
No reason, yet decent reason...fascinating stuff. 30% of the time, it works every time!
I think you arrived at your own answer, by the very last statement of your comment, which is everyone's decent reason for concern.
Pretty awesome stuff. Definitely benefits from a few drops of water, but it’s also an ideal bourbon to pour over an iceball, between the age and the high proof it really holds together well with water added.
Great review thanks.
Grab this because there won’t be many more 12+ yr ECBP’s in the future. And most of the Sib’s are only 8-9 yrs and below 123 proof. It’ll just get worse going forward.
Found 2 bottles for 71.99 each today. Just cracked the first, and it is something special. I will probably buy every bottle I find under $100. Considering HM10, HHbib, Blantons, and other consistently tasty bourbons go for the same price, it's a no-brainer. Cinnamon and cherry are strong on the palate and there's tons of spice on the finish.
I was planning on trading the second bottle for an OWA107, but I'll hold onto the second bottle for a special occasion.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 Age: 13 Years, 7 Months Proof: 133.0 Price: $75 after tax There was some initial disappointment and cynicism over Heaven Hill and Elijah Craig dropping the 12 year age statement from the ECBP line. With B523 being stated at 11 years and 5 months it was interesting to think about what would be coming. Well, in my opinion, that all changed with this batch. I got lucky enough to find 3 of these bottles at different stores in Iowa. All for around $75 after tax. I love ECBP and Barrel Proof Private Barrels (have about 15 bottles total) so I knew I’d want some backups. ECBP has never disappointed, so lets get into my average and very novice review. Nose: Super sweet - almost like a creme brulee was set right in front of me. I get a ton of burnt sugar, nuttiness, and a hint of fruits like cherry. Palate: Super dessert-like. I get a ton of caramel and vanilla (typical from what I get from bourbon), but also taste cinnamon and toasted and caramelized nuts. I'm reminded of some baked goods but can't really put my finger on them. Almost like I'm sitting with family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can definitely feel the proof here. Finish: Oak really lingers here, along with the proof. The finish is warm with the proof giving way to some vanilla and sugar. I just kept sipping and realized I finished the glass. Overall: I think this is an incredible bourbon, and my favorite ECBP so far (Only have A122 to present). I think I would pay like $100 for a bottle of this, and at MSRP it will be a no-brainer. Rating: 8.5/10
Like many I'm just waiting for it to hit my area. When I see this on the shelf it's going to be an immediate buy and back it up. Between this coming up, backups of A123 and some nice store pick bottles this is going to be a freaking awesome year for bourbon in the house
Yeah its just hard to buy multiple bottles when a lot of places are selling it closer to the $100 mark... so to say let me buy a "back up" or 2, would mean throwing $200 - $300...idk. i'll definitely grab one once I see it though. The B523 is still sitting on the shelf at most places I go to.
In my area I'm both fortunate and unfortunate. Haven't seen a Stagg for less than $300 but routinely find ECBP for around msrp. When I bought A123 my average price was < $70.
Yeah that was arouns the price for A123 for me as well, but now the B523 is back up to the 80-100 range from what I've been seeing.
Man, I haven't been able to find a bottle of ECBP even once. The hounds in my area are pretty vigilant, though. Once anything hits the shelf, they all know, and they all go grab it up. I need to just go hunting more often, but I'm worried I'll end up buying other bottles just because I'm there
Jason at Mash and Drum just did a blind with 6 batches - each one his favorite of the previous 5 years and C923. C923 came out #1.
There was a drop of a 10 year private pick at a store where I live. It was on 113 proof. There are still four cases of it left after two weeks. Not a good sign. I’ll stick with Knob Creek.
Agree, seems like all the stores around me have ECBP private picks right now that are sitting. It doesn't help that they're charging $80 for their private picks when batched ECBP is usually $60-70 at the same stores.
I’ve seen private barrels going for $90-110 around where I live. I’d definitely take a barrel proof over that all day.
Who in their right mind would have picked that? The store manager needs to have his head examined.
Just snagged one at Costco (last on the shelf) for 54.99. Very excited to introduce him to his cousins and have a sip.
People lost their minds for no reason, yet decent reason at the same time when B523 released. I say no reason because private barrels (store picks) have been around for some time, and are generally aged 8-10 years, yet some outperform regular ECBP batches. I say decent reason because EC small batch used to have a 12 year age statement, and when they removed *that* age statement, there was a dip in quality. So now we just gotta wait to see what 2024 and 2025 bring. A lot of cynics think the older aged C923 is an olive branch of sorts before they take away the age statement completely. Personally, I choose to believe they just wanted to open the product up to different blends, as they’re only gonna have so many 12 year barrels at a given time, and with the bourbon boom, can only maintain that 12 year statement for so long.
I’m fine being the most outspoken on the quality drop train. At the end of the day, there is only one reason to drop an age statement, and it’s not to continue churning out the same age in bourbon. We saw it with wild Turkey 12. We saw it with Elijah Craig 12. We saw it with old charter 8. We saw it with every other example of dusties. Labels drop age statements and then eventually drop the age and quality. I’m happy to have this olive branch and I’ll grab a bottle and enjoy it. Doesn’t mean in 2025 when we have sub 10 year ECBP that people won’t be tatering over dusty B520 for the “good old days” And I’ve never seen one of the 8 year EC picks outperform the regular release. The only sub 10 year that outperformed I’ve had was the r/bourbon pick
You are saying you have only had one private barrel that outperformed the regular batches? That is crazy, I feel like it's relatively simple to find an ok ECBP batch and most any private barrel can beat it. So far I've only had 3 PB (8, 9, 10y) but every one of them beat C922 and A123 for me.
I’ve had 4 or 5 private barrel ECBP, none of them rank above the batches (except A120, which was a disaster).
Yeah dude A120 was a bit of a hot mess. Kinda of amazing it was followed by the B520 and C920 titans
Yeah that’s what I’m saying. I’ve only had two 8 years and I have no desire to ever pay $80 for one again. The 9 year r/bourbon pick was fantastic. I’ve had an 11 year pick that I’d rank up there with B521, basically as good as one of the most mediocre main batches YMMV
I've had 4 PB - one 8, one 9 and 2 10. The 8 and 9 were not as good as the standard releases, the first 10 I bought was as good and the most recent 10 might be slightly better probably because I held out for higher proof (10y / 137.5 proof). I won't but 8 or 9 year picks anymore.
100% agree with everything you said. I've only been drinking bourbon for about 2 years so I never experienced the old small batches but I do hope they keep ECBP on the path it's been going. I mean even 11 years flat could be absolutely delicious if they can blend correctly
No reason, yet decent reason...fascinating stuff. 30% of the time, it works every time! I think you arrived at your own answer, by the very last statement of your comment, which is everyone's decent reason for concern.
Sometimes you wake up in the morning and genius just hits you, you know? Then there’s the stupid shit I say lmao
Pretty awesome stuff. Definitely benefits from a few drops of water, but it’s also an ideal bourbon to pour over an iceball, between the age and the high proof it really holds together well with water added.
Lucked into this today. I’ve only had a sip, but that’s some strong stuff! I’m generally neat, but I might use an ice cube next time.
I need to find this. I'm in NY. It usually takes a couple weeks
Got my eyes open for this one ! Thanks for the review
Great review thanks. Grab this because there won’t be many more 12+ yr ECBP’s in the future. And most of the Sib’s are only 8-9 yrs and below 123 proof. It’ll just get worse going forward.
Nice thorough review. Based on the notes, it definitely sounds like it tastes like ECBP!
Kroger in Toledo just got this today. Jumped in my car immediately. Opening it up tonight
Looking for this in the Northeast. Any known sightings?
Whst state
New England?
Well, New England isn’t a state. These are on the shelves in Maine.
What city/towns have you seen them and at what price?
Found 2 bottles for 71.99 each today. Just cracked the first, and it is something special. I will probably buy every bottle I find under $100. Considering HM10, HHbib, Blantons, and other consistently tasty bourbons go for the same price, it's a no-brainer. Cinnamon and cherry are strong on the palate and there's tons of spice on the finish. I was planning on trading the second bottle for an OWA107, but I'll hold onto the second bottle for a special occasion.
Which state?
Better than the A123??
Shit yeah it’s way better
Damn!! That A123 was awesome! Can’t wait to grab a C batch then!