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Ahhh, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases! Just as reliable as the sun is with rising, Christmas shoppers with panic buying, and sports fans with calling the game rigged, the first of ECBP’s 2024 release is here! Before we delve into what makes the A124 a special one, let’s explore the history a bit.

History of Barrel Proof Releases

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, an iconic brand with a compelling origin, traces its roots to a pivotal moment of necessity in the aftermath of the renowned Heaven Hill fire. Following the catastrophe, some brands relied on distillate from nearby competitors and allies. Notably, Elijah Craig Small Batch (12 Year) emerged as one of the last untouched batches—or more precisely, the barrels destined to become Elijah Craig.

As the late 2000s drew to a close, then-master distiller Parker Beam faced a challenge. The reserves of Elijah Craig 18 Year Old and Elijah Craig 23 Year Old were depleting, with a considerable timeline before the brands could replenish. In this predicament, Parker, a veteran in the industry, contemplated a solution. Barrel strength bourbons, especially those at cask strength, were still relatively uncommon. Booker’s Bourbon maintained a regular presence in the 120-125 proof range, Wild Turkey Rare Breed in the mid-110s, and Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel Bourbon, among a select few.

Undeterred, Parker seized the opportunity. With a subtle introduction, he and the Heaven Hill team released the inaugural unnumbered batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. This strategic move aimed to fill the void while the aged 18- and 23-year-old bourbons continued their maturation process. As batch numbers were assigned, and production expanded, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof evolved into a fixture far beyond anyone's initial expectations.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, a distinguished bourbon series, stands out with its unique approach to labeling and releases. Each batch of Barrel Proof boasts a distinctive age statement, revealing the month and year of the youngest barrel in the batch, contributing to the rich variability in flavor profiles. The batch number on the label serves as a key to specific details about each release. The first letter denotes the order of the release for that year, beginning with "A." The first number indicates the month of the release, with 1 representing January, 9 indicating September, and so forth. The following two digits represent the year of release. Since its inception in 2013, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has maintained a schedule of three yearly releases labeled as A, B, and C, each unveiling a different facet of this exceptional bourbon. For example, a batch labeled A124 signifies the first release of 2024, which corresponds to January.



What Makes A124 Special?

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof #A124, representing the inaugural release of 2024 in Heaven Hill's ongoing series, offers a distinctive profile that showcases the evolution within the collection. Bottled at a robust 119 proof, this batch has undergone a maturation period of 10 years and nine months, embodying the brand's commitment to quality.

The nose reveals an enticing combination of big honey, spice, caramel candies, and baking spices, complemented by sweet oak, a touch of pepper, toffee, crème brûlée, and tobacco. On the palate, A124 unfolds as a rich and flavorful expression, deviating from previous releases with a lighter emphasis on oak and cola, accompanied by an elevated presence of sweet desserts, caramels, toffee, and tobacco. The finish is notably long, featuring a delightful blend of caramels, candies, toffee, tobacco, and sweet vanilla.

Despite changes in age and proof, A124 adheres to the same mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, with aging in Char No. 3 new oak barrels and a commitment to being non-chill filtered. This batch stands out with candy-sweet bright fruit notes transitioning into caramel, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a subtle hint of chocolate, offering a unique and enjoyable bourbon experience. Notably, the lower proof enhances its versatility in cocktails while maintaining a satisfyingly full palate.

Other Barrel Proof Releases Still Available

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof #B522

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B522 immediately captures attention with its deep, rich color. The bold and classic bourbon aroma on the nose signals its barrel-proof nature. While the palate and finish echo spicy and dry notes with a touch of sweetness, leaning heavily into its spice, the bourbon remains satisfying. Marked by Barrel Serial #B522, this expression exemplifies Elijah Craig's commitment to excellence with precision aging. At an impressive Proof, the whiskey reveals a well-balanced and nuanced character, making it a delightful exploration of strength and complexity in every sip. Perfect for fans of spicy barrel proofs, B522 continues the brand's legacy with a unique and captivating palate experience.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof #A122

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122 stands out as an elegant expression within the esteemed series, leaning towards the leaner side. Its distinctive character is shaped by meticulous curation and an undisclosed aging duration that attests to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and flavor development. Noteworthy for its unique stamp of Barrel Serial # A122, this bourbon offers an individualized experience. Despite being on the leaner side, there is a plump fruitiness on the nose, with occasional moments of full-bodied pleasure on the palate. The dryness is derived from stone rather than wood, adding a unique dimension to the tasting experience. With an impressive Proof, the whiskey unfolds with bold and complex notes, ensuring an engaging and memorable journey with each sip.

Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Proof Selected by Sip Whiskey

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Proof, meticulously selected by Sip Whiskey for a truly distinguished taste. Aged for 9 years, this bourbon boasts a depth of flavor that reflects dedication to quality. Marked with Barrel Serial # 6842631, each bottle emphasizes its unique character. At an impressive 122.2 Proof, this whiskey unveils a robust and well-rounded character, inviting you to savor its intricate layers. With an ALC/VOL of 61.10%, Elijah Craig's limited edition Single Barrel Barrel Proof is a testament to excellence, promising a sensory journey of strength and complexity.