Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch #B523

This straight bourbon whiskey originates from the United States, produced in the Kentucky region. Crafted at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is an uncut, non-chill filtered small-batch bourbon released three times annually. The batch code "B523" indicates the second release ("B") of May ("5") in the year 2023. This specific batch holds historic significance in the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series, as it was the first release to move away from the rigid 12-year minimum age statement, coming in at 11 years and 5 months of age while maintaining its signature cask-strength bottling.

Spirit Description

This bourbon presents a deep amber-mahogany hue in the glass. The nose is rich, sweet, and inviting, opening with aromas of butterscotch, toasted oak, roasted nuts, and sweet vanilla, accompanied by subtle nuances of red fruit, brown sugar, and baking spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and chewy, delivering a vibrant hit of cinnamon spice, caramel, charred oak, and dark cocoa, balanced by sweet citrus oil and vanilla cream. The finish is long, warm, and satisfying, leaving a trailing impression of sweet oak, black pepper, and toasted brown sugar. Bottled at a cask strength of 62.1% ABV (124.2 Proof), it offers an accessible, remarkably well-balanced, and highly flavor-dense profile.

Accolades

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B523 garnered high praise from whiskey reviewers for its exceptional drinkability and balance despite the high proof and minor adjustment in age. The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof line is a multi-time winner of "Whisky of the Year" from Whisky Advocate and regularly secures Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.