Bourbon Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122

[@markmaioli4]

"the only person you can trust is yourself ..." TRUTH!!

[@mrpapinchock]

@Fred Are you from Ponca City, Oklahoma? I spent the first five years of my life there and I remember Firs.

[@80Demitri]

Just picked up B522 and it tastes kind of sour....I'm not sure what is up with it but it taste's really strange?

[@gothamknight26]

Grabbed a bottle today!!

[@JMontague990]

Would you ever consider reviewing Oklahoma brand whiskey “Hochatown whiskey “?

[@BigCope216]

Quite the contrast from Bourbon Junkies….. they described this (partially) as a fresh strawberry covered in permanent marker. Haha…. When I tried It, I got a ton of leather and caramel.

[@chasecarter1170]

A122 is better than c921 is better than a or b 2021. Still not touching the 2020 or previous years batches, but really good. A122 is solid and worthy adevesary. Ready to get the b522

[@duplomacette]

Would love you to taste J Carver cask strength bourbon out of Minnesota. Cheers!

[@whiskeybonded]

You nosing and tasting skill is inspiring! Keep up the great work!

[@andrewmainprice2179]

Do you think that it is better at a lower proof. It has been suggested that the flavour notes are easier to find

[@christopherciulla8190]

I agree whole heartedly with your comment about listening to critics and forming my own opinion. I found that I really enjoyed the 2021 batches of EJBP. In all fairness I’ve only had the 2021 batches so I can’t compare. If I did have earlier releases I may feel differently. I’m glad you didn’t like them because I was able to buy my two bottles for $79 each in NY! Love your KZbin’s and value your opinions! Thanks Fred!!

[@kimberlymckinney1414]

Must be from the same generation...Furrs was my first buffet experience -fond memories.❤..can't wait to get my hands on this one..🥃

[@FredMinnick]

Good memories in that place

[@hotramen5952]

i took my first sip of A122 last night. its good. i dont know if i will pick up another bottle, im going to come back tonight for the final decision. wish i could have gotten a third bottle of A121. gave away my second of B from last year, and didnt hunt C because money was tight and i wasnt huge on B.

[@mrpapinchock]

You from Ponca City OK @fredminnick?

[@FredMinnick]

Originally from Jones

[@mikecofojohn168]

Interesting. I found it tasted like erasers. Perhaps it needs to open up.

[@TT-wb3ke]

I could not agree more, Fred. The A122 is WAY better than any of the 2021 releases.

[@truekingofthejungle9038]

Elijah Craig Small Batch has slowly become my go to everyday drinker. I gotta try this one.

[@DaveH8905]

Did you ever review C917? I found a bottle at my local store and snagged it, but oddly don’t see any reviews of it from you or Breaking Bourbon. Maybe I missed it.

[@enricojaun2880]

2017 is before wiskey tube really took off. I dont remember that one having been talked about much. Was it in adhd's ultimate ecbp bracket battle? Regardless im sure its good stuff.

[@DaveH8905]

@@enricojaun2880 we’ll find out once my taste and smell come back. The owner of the store thought it was a freak accident that they ended up with a few bottles of it. Maybe accidentally put in the wrong box or something. A fairly exciting find.

[@FredMinnick]

I am pretty sure I reviewed that one for Whisky Advocate back in the day. Let me look at an old spreadsheet

[@DaveH8905]

@@FredMinnick you are the man

[@gkm072159]

I tried it and I enjoyed it. It's definitely a hitter proof wise. Great flavors and a great finish. Cheers.

[@robertshay9235]

ECBP is a must buy every release. 1 bottle at minimum and then grab a 2nd if it’s great. I’ll be looking for a 2nd A122!

[@MiguelTorres-hg1kn]

welcome back and happy new year. Looking forward to 2022! I hope I can find the EC A122 somewhere in CT.

[@travissmith5238]

Hello from Antlers OK! Gotta find that bottle.

[@dane5896]

The C921 is the worst ECBP I've had.

[@travish894]

I am a ECBP fan still have two pirate bottles for a good friend to share with ( one only)😀

[@fritzg]

Would love your take on Starlight Cigar Batch.

[@tommita6440]

Thanks man. I just jumped online and ordered a couple bottles from my local store. If it’s as good as you say, it will be a steal at $60/each.

[@35057]

Good lord man. It’s feb 22 and I’m still getting over the fall releases of 21 and have Not started to wrap my ear around 22 releases yet. But man EC doesn’t disappoint tho. Love that profile!

[@Hellboy700]

You, sir, are not helping me refrain from buying bottles for the month of Feb. hehe. Thank you for confirming my opinion about the releases from 21'. Everything about your description of the palate and finish are what I love about ECBP. Cheers. I still feel that B520 with a close second by C920 are the best examples of ECBP in the last 5 yrs.

[@robertbooth3367]

Geez, literally just got my hands on a C921 a month ago and you've already got the A122!! Perks of professionalism Glad to hear that 2022 bodes well. ECBP was the first bourbon that I ever really "got" on my journey so it will always have a place on my shelf.

[@michaelschnitzer4054]

I just grabbed a bottle of batch a122 and it is very good. I don’t remember the other batch I had a while back but it’s all very good.

[@johnmorgan233]

test Barrell gold edition please

[@vikes7384]

Can’t believe you have one already. Took me months in ‘21 to find any. Never found the A121.

[@MrStrongbox]

Hey Fred! Was lucky enough to pick one up this weekend along with a Stagg Jr. South Suburban Chicago finally got our Batch 16. Thanks for the always informative bourbon reviews! Cheers!

[@MrStrongbox]

BTW, CMON PEOPLE!!! Subscribe to Fred's channel! We need to get Fred to 100K, fast! He's the official bourbon ambassador for God's sake!

[@MrHunterbuchanan]

Dang! I've been enjoying C921 quite a bit, it was the first ECBP I found at a decent price ($75 in SoCal), but I'll strongly consider buying A122 as well if I can find it.

[@bobbonj1171]

I have it and not yet cracked it

[@robertlee6781]

Great price! Good for you.

[@sregusa]

Thanks for offering yourself as a guide through this complex whiskey forest! Agree that the A122 was a palate pleaser and really enjoy that long finish!

[@jfeliz5882]

I own a C919 and it's absolutely Amazing... Missed out on all the 2020s and passed on the 21's. Might have to give ECBP 2022 another shot

[@antdogg1279]

I’m till looking for my first ECBP and I’ll be on the look out for this one sounds delicious

[@jaredtaylor7777]

Oh man Fred you’re getting me excited. Last years ECBPs were a bit underwhelming coming off of 2020. On profile AND the sweet spot for proof sounds like I’m going to be stocking up in this one.

[@venomous1071]

Bourbon judge says this is on par with 2021releases

[@BSenn11]

Just picked up a bottle on post! Looking forward to trying it thanks to your review!

[@michaelshenk7658]

Would love to have you review some Old Carter American Whiskey

[@steverichards3160]

But is it better than A120? That one was a delicious outlier. Still waiting for A122 to drop in my area. 🥃

[@mgarner1155]

Here in SC, the barrel picks or proofs, or anything limited edition is/are very hard to find. And if you find some, its shockingly priced. Rumor has it that the few liquor distributors here ply some of the key legislators with it in order to curry favor and protect the very limited competition in the liquor pipeline in this state. I get better results shopping some liquor stores in Augusta GA area or the state run stores around Charlotte, NC. Anyway, I bought a bottle of the standard Elijah Craig last year and IMHO it was rough, garden variety bourbon; will not be making that mistake again.

[@noelanikaluhiwa8109]

Can’t wait to see your Blind Tasting Tour list! Hoping to come to one! Thanks for the review Fred!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

woo hoo! fingers crossed i track down a bottle. thanks Fred!

[@ronieashley8258]

I grew up on Furrs restaurant as a kid thanks for the memories about the rolls.

[@gkm072159]

Thanks for the review Fred. This batch should be dropping in NC in the next 2 - 4 weeks. Cheers.

[@justinsawyers2772]

Thanks Fred - I totally agree that ECBP for 2021 was off profile. Now I’m on the hunt for A122!

[@yatisivam4421]

Hey Fred great review I’ve only had c919 because people were saying ecbp was a good substitute for Stagg Jr. Oh man, was I disappointed. Maybe I’ll give this one a try. Also, appreciate the shorter reviews n any review coming up for Stagg jr 17? Thanks

[@williamhancock9587]

Fred you Rock!!! I am hoping for some really Great Bourbon Releases for 2022. Cheers Brother!!!

[@robertlee6781]

I don't I'll find A122 around my parts unless I want to pay an outrageous amount. The Furrs mention did perk up the old ears. I used to go to the one on Sheridan in Tulsa with my folks.

[@christaylor4086]

Willet Family Estate Rye

[@brad5958]

A Firs shout out! Taking me back when. I was in a kid as well in SoCal. I used to love the cafeteria style! It’s was all about those sweet rolls, mac and cheese and that chess or custard pie for dessert! Loved the C921 as I always thought the C batch was the best of the 3 every year, but this sounds like a must try! Great review Fred!

[@jasono.1629]

Great review thank you. Would be interested in any Jack Daniels 12 year or 15 year reviews this year. I read somewhere they’re both expected to release sometime this year?

[@swampy2424]

Inwoild love to see you do a review of Old 55 BIB if you can get your hands on one

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

Great review my friend I enjoyed it.

[@paulcarder8032]

That's a great our on from Heaven Hill. I've also have become a quaintest with is Cedar Ridge Bourbon from Iowa. A delight indeed equal to what Ke yucky offers.

[@markpiersimoni1773]

Would love too see you review Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye this year.

[@williamleidy6713]

You have to love a whiskey that envokes a memory.

[@peterb.3278]

Nice review-Nice to see ECBP out. I just saw the EC C-921 two weeks ago - yet To crack it. Liked but didn’t love A121- Passed on B-521- but C921 was solid- here’s hoping the 2022’s are as good as the 2020’s cheers! 🥃

[@jskypercussion]

Absolutely agree with you 100%. I loved the C921. Wasn't a fan of the B521, I found the A121 interesting and enjoyed the bottle but didn't want to get another bottle. I found some interesting funky notes with that A121 I have never found with an elijah Craig before. I was getting some apple fig apple granola bar notes. I dont know if you got that from the A121? It was like a fermented almost putrified apple that has been sliced and sitting out for an hour or 2 if you know what I mean. Funky but good but not mind blowing to where I wanted more. Totally different experience that's for sure.

[@jeanneanr]

Looking forward to getting a bottle of A122. Love me some ECBP... and your mention of Furr's yeast rolls...yum! 😋

[@davidg-oo1ox]

KOK 2022

[@southernoverdrive09]

Will have to pick this one up.

[@edwardwilcox6606]

Happy ECBP`s are back in favour for you. I didn`t get the chance to try any of the `21 releases, but I sure did make a connection with batch A120 from the previous year which was stellar! Will keep my eye open for A122 & thanks for getting back on the treadmill!

[@carsonlorey7283]

I'd definitely love to hear your in-depth takes on some more of the Four Gate releases, especially Batch 17. For me, a few of these batches got lost in the shuffle and didn't receive some of the acclaim they deserved in other areas of the whiskey community (likely due to price point).

[@erllar2980]

I picked up four gate 17. It's absolutely stunning. It did kind of get forgotten about due to it being released late in the year. Very unfortunate because I think it was a top 5 releases easily.

[@matthewgiampaoli4077]

Hi Fred, Will hunt that one. Can you taste the BBC Discovery Series #6?

[@joegrone9671]

I usually like the c batches. I will try get this one now

[@89sooner]

Furrs! Of course me knowing about Furrs comes with the Oklahoma delay in getting ECBP bottes (and lord knows, Remus V last year!.) Devils advocate...do you think that the fact that that bottle has had a chance to open up has any impact on your first take? Especially compared to B521 last year, which did seem to grow on you at least a smidge from first taste later in the year.

[@chrishaener8702]

Would love to see you taste same Canadian ryes. I don't think Masterson's 10 year rye gets enough love and pretty sure it's sourced from Alberta. I believe the Crown Royal 16 Yr Rye from the heritage collection may have also been from Alberta. With the new Seagrass coming in at $250+, I think there are cheaper and more available ways to enjoy exceptional aged Canadian Ryes.

[@Shellyy10]

Would love to see the last 3 A batches blinded by you could be interesting to see ! Great review

[@Thrashzer]

ECBP are some of my absolute favorites!!! Fred are you ever going to do a Barrel Pick now that they're doing them? And I have to say, with the haircut and beard trim you're looking pretty svelte!!! Keep up the good work!

[@TheMagiccarpetrides]

Thanks for the great review!

[@DMBVR4]

Man their proof points have been weak sauce lately.

[@yatisivam4421]

Maybe u can help me out. The only one I’ve had is c919 and very disappointed n never bought them again. How would u compare the two as maybe I’ll give em another try? Btw, I’m a Stagg jr fan… any reviews coming on 17? Thanks

[@DMBVR4]

@@yatisivam4421 if you can find A119 or A120, they are fantastic and worthy opponents to Stagg Jr. I really like C919, but i agree it has an odd note to it that i dont care for unless I'm in the mood.

[@yatisivam4421]

Yes Matt, interesting how u phrased that. There’s a lot going on in c919 n sipped it again tonight. It just falls short for me because many people recommend ecbp to me to replace my love,,, Stagg jr. The c919 was my only try at it n was just shaking my head n I naively bought several. Wonder if the a122 Fred reviewed might live up to expectations.

[@onednp]

That bottle is making its way back home, yes?

[@kleinster99]

“The wife got into it” wink 😉 wink 😉 haha

[@Watchman999]

I'd like to see another blind challenge on the Makers Private Select Wood Finishing series and have your wife join you. I think I recall that she likes that line.....and full disclosure I do too.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Wonderful! I would love to hear what you think of one of my other favorites, the Balcones Peated. :)

[@joryknowlton7574]

That sounds pretty delicious.

[@stevedave9386]

I just knew you were going to say Furrs. I miss their squared fried fish!

[@FredMinnick]

We had so many family outings there!

[@DaveH8905]

I had the Rona about a month ago and the only thing that still smells and tastes weird to me is bourbon, and it is depressing.

[@FredMinnick]

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you get it back soon!

[@offcamber]

dch - same happened to me. Fear not, as your sense of taste and smell is not permanently damaged. Your brain will relearn how to correctly identify bourbon. Now you can drink tasteless vodka until you are recalibrated. 😜

[@69CamaroSS]

Same….took a couple more weeks before bourbon tasted normal again…..SAVE THE GOOD STUFF FOR LATER!!!

[@enricojaun2880]

A121 was soooooo disappointing to me. I skiped b and c for the first time in years. This one may be a buy.

[@jasonford8176]

I needs it!!!