Well, as they say, better late than never! If you are a follower of everything bourbon, enjoy watching or reading reviews, or just a person who enjoys purchasing a good bottle, then you have probably heard of Elijah Craig. This brand particularly this bottle, has been in the Bourbon News lately as everyone talked about this high-poof, well-aged late 2023 release. I am definitely not going to get into the laser code controversy in this review, but if you are interested in watching more about this, please visit this video by Drums & Drams. Thus, today’s review is from the Elijah Craig Distillery Co. and is the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923.

Bottle Information

From the Elijah Craig website: To sip Barrel Proof is to experience Bourbon in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each bottle has its own unique age statement, proof, and batch number allowing for subtle nuances from batch to batch; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig.

• Distiller: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
• Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
• Proof: 133
• Age: 13 Years, 7 Months
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $70
• 2024 National Average: $120
• Official Website

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bottles have been near impossible to find in NoCo over the past few years, but finally, in 2023 they became a bit more available and most priced at MSRP. With the hype this bottle received late last year, this was the only bottle I saw and thankfully it was only ten dollars above MRSP. This product is always a great example of bourbon, with a classic full-proof profile, yet several sit on my shelf as they do not stand out enough for me to return to. Overall, this is an above-average bottle for the lineup and was not whiskey of the year for me, but still very good. My bottle was an A22 batch, so do you believe in the laser code controversy? With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Prominent Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Caramel, Hazelnut, Spice, Oak, and A Bit of Ethanol
• Palate: Oak, Vanilla, Fruitiness, Milk Chocolate, and Baking Spice
• Finish: Medium with Notes of Baking Spice and Oak
• My Rating: Drink It! (This is not whiskey of the year for me, but still very good. My bottle was an A22 batch, so do you believe in the laser code controversy?)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™