Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C923

Color: Deep copper-amber. Nose: Wow! Sweet, burnt vanilla, leather, molasses, stewed cinnamon apples(?). Palate: (Drank with a large ice ball) The apples return on the first contact with the tongue. The 133 proof hits you — but not too harshly... and the inevitable chest hug follows. Something akin to "spice" makes an appearance on the 2nd or 3rd sip, but of the "baking" variety. I expected caramel to be part of the profile, and it did finally come through as the ice slowly melted into the juice and opened it up. I'm getting a lot more from this juice that I just can't pinpoint (Leather? Wood?). Suffice to say, there's a lot going on. I'd heard very good things about this C923, and I'm glad to report that it was all legit. The finish is long with lingering spice, sweetness and oak. This is damned good bourbon. I seldom give 5 stars, but this one comes close! Added 1/13/24: There's the vanilla! And it appeared in spades, no less.

It’s a stellar bourbon and a fantastic pour. I’m truly hunting for a backup bottle. It’s an instant buy if you see this $100 or less. It’s the best ECBP I have ever tasted.

Laser Code: A22331243

Brutally harsh flavors that are typical of elijah craig bp

I am relatively new to ECBP. My first bottle was A121, which I loved, and I've thought none of the others since have been as good. Of the 2022 batches, my favorite was C922. I still have a good bit left of it, and since I haven't been drinking much bourbon recently, I passed on the previous 2023 releases. I decided to bite on the C923 when it started getting good reviews, but feel lucky to have found one, as it seems they've been flying off shelves. On the nose dark brown sugar, vanilla, furniture polish, and a bit of charred steak spice and crust. The mouthfeel is fairly thick and coating, with caramel, vanilla, cherry syrup, oak tannin. It drinks well below its proof. The finish has a slight astringent tannic note, balanced by the sweet caramel and vanilla drizzle. This is rich, decadent, oaky, delicious. The only other batch on hand is the C922, and this is a good bit more enjoyable. I've had better bourbon, but at a price under $80, this is a screaming deal in the current whiskey market. 4.5 - 4.75, but gets a bump from me for value.

Laser Code: A22331243

The best ECBP since B520. A completely full mouthfeel with a nice warm Kentucky hug with long finish.

This C923 is simply wonderful. The initial vanilla, caramel, and peanut buttery goodness follow on to the palate. It’s a “big” bourbon that coats your mouth as you would expect at this proof and age. Notes of toffee and crème brûlée linger on the finish while cinnamon and oak spice stay with you for a long while.