Elijah Craig 23 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Everything must be subjective including the value to the person drinking a dram such as this. I had some epic pours this week but must say other than proof on the low side EC 23 is Excellent. The low proof also makes this a perfect afternoon sipper My 2 favorite pours of the week were William Heaven Hill 12 134.4 proof and Barrell Craft Spirits 25 year old at 111 proof or so The EC 23 nose pallet & finish was truly enjoyable Both of those have my highest rating of 4.75 just 1/4 pt up from the EC 23 Now for the cost this is the last of a bottle that at the time I paid $350 or less than $14 / oz so even more of a reason to enjoy some of Heaven Hills renowned older stock. Bottle was a Old Label 2017 - that replaced the 20 & 21 at that time Currently secondary is $900

What this did was make me desperately want to try the 18. Quite good but it had mellowed out too much imho

You can smell the age on this one. Like taking a deep breath in carpenter’s shop. The palate keeps up with that. It’s very dark with lots of char and black pepper. Finish is a little lighter, with some brown sugar and baking spice notes that linger without turning bitter.

Proof is evident from start to finish, mingled with notes of baking spices and evened out with a toasty finish.

Oaky, as expected for its age, but also slightly… minty? Slightly dry, astringent finish. Good to enjoy at least once, and on someone else’s tab I’d gladly enjoy a couple of pours. But at 90 proof and with flavors that are slightly muted with age, don’t expect the bold, rich palate you’ll find in Elijah Craig’s barrel proof offerings half the age.