Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923

We review Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923, the third 2023 batch of this high octane bourbon from Heaven Hill that's bottled at 133 proof.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

66.5:% ABV; Mash bill: 78% Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley; 133 Proof.
Appearance:
Mahogany
Nose:
The nose opens with a rich, molasses sweetness. As it swirls a bit, I can pick out the concentrated vanilla and hints of stewed strawberry. All these scents are carried on the woody base of a deeply aged, high proof bourbon.
Palate:
You can only hold this a second before you remember you’re drinking 133 proof bourbon. The burn sets on fast and sets on hard. The hard burn and focused bourbon sweetness feel like sipping molten caramel, with only bare hints of red fruit. If I add a few drops of water, the sweetness loses some fire and takes on a woody body and gives a feel of bittersweet chocolate.
Finish:
The finish is a woody, alcohol forward slow burn.
Comments:
The truth is, any bourbon with a proof this high carries its own recommendation. If you want 133 proof bourbon, you only have so many places to look. This expression delivers that while still having the quality of a premium release by an established brand. As for the underlying flavor, even when diluted with some water it’s quite blunt in its use of typical bourbon flavors. Nevertheless, it plays very well into the core identity of caramel and red fruit that typifies a good bourbon.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Taylor Shiells

Taylor is a writer, researcher, and whiskey enthusiast. He came to Portland in pursuit of higher education, and found himself staying to pursue the Pacific Northwest's wide range of olfactory offerings. He's a fan of craft beer, farm to table food, indie perfume, and, most of all, whiskey. While he provides technical research to the entertainment industry by day, the Whiskey Wash gives him the opportunity to explore his passion, hone his palate, and practice a more flavorful form of writing.

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