The 2023 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon whiskey program continues with the launch of B523.
All releases in this series follow a standard naming system. The “B” in the name stands for the second batch in an annual A, B, C line. The “5” denotes the release month, May, while the 23 represents the current year.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 shows an age statement of 11 years and 5 months, representing the youngest barrel in the batch. It is non-chill-filtered and uncut.
Beverage Dynamics review: Generally, ECBP has two extremes of flavor. On one end are the “candy bombs,” filled with sweet confectionary notes, like last year’s A122. On the other is earthy, chocolatey whiskey like the C922. This latest release, ECBP B523, is the latter, with loads of earthiness and dark chocolate above a backbone of generous heat and rich oak. Tons of texture on the palate. A long finish leads into lovely char and cocoa.
Starting with this batch, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof will now be barreled in small batches with varying age statements. Each batch will have a unique flavor profile and proof, as in the past, but now also a unique age statement that details aging down to the month. This expanded statement has transitioned from the side of the bottle to the front label. All other qualities remain the same.
Batches are determined by a tasting team that includes Master Distiller Connor O’Driscoll, Master Taster Tawnie Gootee and VP of New Product Development and Quality Assurance Chris Briney.
The suggested retail price for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 is $69.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
In the series, this follows Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123, which marked the beginning of the eleventh year of this popular cask-strength line.
Have had A122..B522…A123…the B522 l liked the best….would love to try a C920…but prolly never will….Thank you Elijah Craig for Barrel Proof…by far the best Bourbon l have had the pleasure of drinking..