A few weeks ago, I saw on the NC ABC website that there were 23 cases (3 bottle cases!) usually, if ANY ABC store has an available bottle of PAPPY/BTAC with no name on it, its *supposed * to go back to the Richmond office to be allocated to another ABC locations waiting listaaaggghhh!!! But then the spices. Paid $100. To prevent confusion I put together an ECBP cheat sheet. Gorgeous, sweet vanilla pops on the palate, before they throw malted milk chocolate notes at us. Whisky Advocate named B517 the best whiskey of 2017, and it has seen plenty of accolades since to boost its reputation further. Batch B522 is rated at 121 proof versus 120.8 on batch A122. The last and also the highest proof in the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 2022 series, Batch C922 tends to find a more middle ground between the earlier releases. Any hints on where ha? To mark the start of the year, were highlighting the scheduled bourbon releases that have us the most excited for 2021. A little less hot. Ill keep a lookout for any releases in central FL and report back any findings. But for a $60 product with wide distribution, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof really holds its own against these others. Four Roses barrel strength is excellent as well as Jefferson ocean cask strength. If youre not in Kentucky (or nearby), expect to pay as much as two to three times more for the bottle. ECBP is a 12-year-old uncut, unfiltered bourbon which Heaven Hill releases once a quarter. Its so good, folks. the 18 has been around $120 here near rochester, its definitely a step up from the 12, but not 5x as good, let alone 10x, lol. I was sweating because of the heat coming 2020s 136-proof monster release. UPDATED: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Release Cheat Sheet - Blog - Bourbonr For whatever reason the "C" batches never really show up in my area though so it's always a treat to get to try them out, especially since they are generally lauded as the best releases. Good new is ECBP is still 12-years-old. (patting myself on the back). Heaven Hill trended their proof lower this year in general, with the first two releases kept at or below a respectable 121 proof. VA ABC is kind of backward, store managers have discretion to hold back bottles. Just picked up two bottles of this batch at the local Total Wine here in Bellevue, WA. Not the heat I expected. This was pretty nice but has a slightly cheapish finish kind of like pleather instead of leather. Barrell Bourbon is one of the most interesting blenders working in Kentucky today. Finish: The end is solid with a spicy warmth next to more of that dry firewood and a smidge of sweet oatmeal cookies. Do we have a local bourbonr group to assist each other when stores may get something hard to find in stock? ECBP carries a consistent 12yr age statement. Really disgusting. when I showed up, however, they were all spoken for. a bit of a drive but worth it. Nose: The nose opens with a deep leatheriness with a bright line of green hatch chilis next to a warm sense of dry powdered dark chocolate and dried sour cherries with an underlying dry earthiness and this tiny whisper of sourdough starter. Check out my review of Elijah Craig Barrel Proofrelease #1 here. Whatever they get from here on out will be first come first serve. Two, we already tried this one and its a solid first entry for the new line (our full review of the line will be featured on @UproxxLifes Expression Session this year). Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch #A122 Bourbon Packs the Flavor Thats especially true if you get the right one. Lets dive in! Press Esc to cancel. How does it compare to previous batches? Report back with some tasting notes. Very happy!! Anyone have ECBP release #2 they trade or sell for me to complete my vertical?!?!?!?!!? Side by side comparison to Bookers bluegill, the EC was far and away a more well rounded, defined and flavor full drink. Finish: The heat comes roaring back on the finish with brash woody winter spice and burnt orange with a touch of vanilla trying to find a counterbalance to all the heat. Thats a good (and necessary) thing in our estimation. MSRP: $150 This was on the thinner said, which is par for the course with Makers Mark. It was very confusing about the Pappy wait lists. ABC sent out an email that said only the 20 year would be given out by list and the 10, 12, and 15 would be first come first serve. oh I left out an all to important scenario..you could just be so special that the stores staff reserved you the bottles.lol. Finish: The end arrives with a deeply classic vibe thats slightly tied to old oak cellars next to cherry bark, old bottles of vanilla, and easy-going salted caramel sweetness next to a hint of apple cider tobacco rolled with cinnamon bark and cedar. Sometimes it doesnt have to be harder than that. The highest proof ever being 140.2, C914. I feel like I know the answer but gotta try. Cant find 23 year anywhere. The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batches 2020 Ranked and Explained Let's find out. Batch 10 is, unfortunately, disappointing for me. All others were out of state. A big part of that lauding is due to the craft behind the bottle. It quickly became a favorite among Bourbonrs. Vanilla, Caramel, toasted marshmallow, oak notes and nuttiness, The taste incorporates notes of caramel, oak, bold rye spice, and of course warmth at the back of the palate, The finish features notes of cinnamon, bold rye spice, charred oak, caramel, and fades slowly then lingers as it cools. How does this last release from the venerable 12 year old stand up to its forebears? Among these three releases, the Port Cask Finished expression has piqued our interest the most going into 2020 for two reasons. They are all now safely home on my shelf. This year will see the new Eagle Rare 17, George T. Stagg, Sazerac 18, Thomas H. Handy, and William Larue Weller bottles. Never tried the Barrel proof versions of Elijah Craig.was never able to get my paws on one,everBlake, would you be willing to or have you reviewed the Elijah Craig 18 year old? They got 3 bottles and put it on their online inventory. Weve yet to score to a bottle for that price, albeit close in the $80 range. Just snagged two bottles of #6 in Virginia this afternoon. That said, this feels like it needs a little time and water to really find its full potential in the glass. After the palate firestorm that was 2020, this year is comparably calmlike the eye of a storm. Each bottle is hand labeled with its unique proof and batch number but the nose, taste, and finish of every sip is pure Elijah Craig. People love the stuff. It has to be the best Ive tried of any brand this year. But ECBP is still a relatively affordable bottle in 2022 numbers even with after market. Yup.had to do a double take on that one. 0002, Smooth Ambler 6 Years Old Founders Cask Strength Series 2022 Batch #1, Horse Soldier Reserve Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey. Sorry. Not sure if I got 11, or 17? Havent seen it? Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of my favorite releases because of how consistently good each batch manages to be. Totally worth every penny. Im sure its gone now but Id love to know where you happened to grab one! *ALL* (allocated, limited releases including once a year releases such as BTAC and Pappy ) stock will now be shelved and sold on a first come, first serve basis, after they have honored the requests of those who were on these so called waiting lists.smdh. I plan on asking my other usual ABC stores if this is true. This surprisingly grain forward bourbon smacks of orange and lemon peels, but hints of state fair lemonade and creamsicle leave some balance to be desired. It was a little hard on the stomach though, so i vatted some 50/50 with regular 12 year. Limit one per customer. This special release from Makers Mark is their classic wheated bourbon turned up a few notches. This was pretty nice but very light compared to the last few pours. At full barrel proof, you can enjoy Elijah Craig much the same way our Master Distillers do when they sample straight from the barrel in our Kentucky rickhouses. The secondary price could fetch $90 however.