Bourbon Review: Elijah Craig C923

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[@rd3668]

There aren't 100 bourbons better than this in the past decade, much less this year.

[@johnwill7962]

That’s laughable

[@jamesbroadfoot5269]

@@johnwill7962 name them 😅

[@sitori663]

Totally agree. But let the Blanton and Eagle Rare chasers keep on chasing them instead.

[@PussyBonpensiero]

@@johnwill7962 ....we're still waiting for you to name them all, let's go...

[@utoobia]

Hmmm

[@beginningbourbon7385]

If there are 100 better whiskey’s than C923, I will buy them all!!!

[@timstanek47]

Yeah no kidding. This is one of the best I’ve had.

[@koji3759]

Turns out there was only 8 this year. Lol

[@DGnarly85]

There are not 100 better bottles than this, not even 50. The only bottles that have beat this in the blinds I’ve done with friends are GTS, WLW, and this year’s Russell 13. It’s a monster.

[@TheOnion12]

JD 12 can beat it.

[@DGnarly85]

@@TheOnion12love the JD 12, but it beat that one for us as well.

[@huntertherrien5321]

I actually just had RR13 Batch 5 side by side with C923 and it was close. That alone told me I needed to add a few back ups.

[@sorinsrn5442]

I think that the C923 is the poor's man btac level of quality bourbon.

[@viciousvictortee1298]

In my opinion this should be the Gold standard for the Elijah Craig Barell Proof offerings.

[@joyride1031]

This bottle is an absolute hitter 🎉

[@joewinckowski]

I scored a bottle of this at msrp. Haven’t opened it yet, but I’m ok with it falling off after 20 seconds. If the palate spikes that well upfront and in the middle, it just makes me want to take another taste to get back to that goodness of the biscuit!!

[@midwestbmw1292]

I was lucky enough to buy one and a backup at msrp here in Ohio. To me it’s one of the best pours I’ve had. Granted I’ve only been in the bourbon game for a few years so take that for what it’s worth.

[@ducktoduck]

It’s crazy because I’ve been in love with C923, but I’ve always felt like I’ve been in the minority with how I’ve felt the finish does in fact fall off. It’s good to find someone else who shares the same sentiment.

[@sitori663]

The final note for me was molten chocolate. Just an amazing chocolate decadent beautiful finish. This is my favorite bourbon ever. GTS 2017-2018 was #1 until this. But ECBP is my overall favorite bourbon anyway. It suits my palate.

[@nateduncan9182]

It's definitely one of the best ECBP in about 3 years, IMO but everybody's palate is different. My palate doesn't align with Fred's a lot of the time and that's okay. That's what makes the whiskey fun if we were all the same it would be boring.

[@gabrieltrujillo6133]

C923 was super allocated this year here in Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa. Most places only got 6 bottles when it first came out. Some places got 1 or 2. It’s been trickling out a few bottles at a time. Had to have someone get one for me in the middle of nowhere Iowa. Delicious, but the distribution was disappointing. If this keeps up, it’ll be another release I’ll quit chasing. I’ll add that ECBP is not usually allocated in this area so I’m not sure what is going on but the trend sucks.

People were selling them for 150+ on secondary, that's why you weren't seeing them.

[@dilley_esq]

ECBP is always a time capsule bourbon. Love going back to prior releases and seeing if/how HH has evolved.

[@ghantakha5568]

I have A120 and loving this very much. Had many ECBP before but only few impressed me, one of the impressive one was C917 . Have to find this C923 now.

[@22Buckman]

Have one....saving for Christmas this year....cracking a larceny b523 and a Woodford double oaked tomorrow!

[@utoobia]

Anyone very familiar with C920 and this one? Out of the 13, 14 batches I’ve had, 920 was my favorite

[@MattD86]

Phenomenal camera clarity, Fred

[@SRVandDtrouble]

Intentionally bad? 😂

[@raccoonswild]

Starting at $70, E.C.C923 top 10 bourbon/whiskey awards #1 Whiskey of the Year- Breaking Bourbon #1 Bourbon of 2023 (blind)- Real Bourbon Talk #2 (A22 and A23) Bourbons & Whiskeys- Mash and Drum #3 Bourbon of the Year- Whiskey Raiders #6 Bourbon of the Year- Whiskey Row #7 (A23) Whiskey of the Year- Bourbon Junkies #8 Whiskey of the Year(blind)- Fred Minnick #9 (A22) Whiskey of the Year- ADHD Whiskey Matt #10 Bourbon of the Year- It's Whiskey Night

[@Clay_kn4nil]

I'm going to grab one today. Thanks Fred!

[@dougbaker962]

Great review, Fred, I think your initial reaction puts this in the top 100. Looking forward to your review of K. Luke Batch 7!!

[@user-Acerv-]

I got one when first released In my area and thought I’d be able to go back for a back up. I was wrong and wish I’d bought 2. Thank you for another good honest review. Cheers!

[@josevasquez1781]

C923 is no joke, it's a big winner for me and must have. I never do more than three different whiskies in one night can't imagine 100 samples I'll be cooked.

[@swimmer0049]

Agree with the other comments. This one is the best ECBP I’ve ever had.

[@georgehoward8313]

I just picked up 2 bottles at MSRP yesterday on Maui. So stoked! Looking forward to cracking one open…cheers 🥃

[@AustinMuellerHandmade]

It's good, but I blinded it and it got last for my buddy and I. I doubt it'll impress in your blind.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Great review, but I was surprised not to hear this was not a shoe in. I have not had it, but so many I have respect for have rated it highly. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

[@sitori663]

Everyones palate is different, of course. But if Fred Minnick isn't sure about this being in his top 100 then I know his palate isn't a reliable guide for reviews for me. Not a criticism at all. Everyone's palate is different. When I was a wine drinker I could always count on Robert Parker picks only, so we had similar palates. I get so surprised by some of the choices in Fred's and other reviewers top picks. 1792 FP has always been in my top 5 available bourbons (not available anymore sadly) yet I don't see it in the top lists this year, while others that for me are good but not great (Blanton's SB) always make the top 100. Weller Antique and Special Reserve are SO overrated. ECBP seems to be nit-picked to death while lesser BP's get their overpriced asses kissed by reviewers.

[@DaveH8905]

1792FP is a killer bottle.

[@johnvrhovnik7938]

I'm so glad you started showing the bottle. Idk why it makes it better, but it does!

[@Theplaymaker1271]

If I had 100 whiskeys I'd probably black out... Props to you reviewing them all

[@javieracosta3439]

Thanks for the review Fred. I have a question you may have some insight on: How are these 30k+ batches put together? Our group of enthusiasts here in CT have found "bad bottles" of C923 and we've found it corresponding to the bottle laser code. A22***** are fairly mundane and just ok barrel proof bourbon with oak, vanilla and spice. Bottles starting with A23****etc are the one's that have people bunkering and raving about with funky grape/berries, spices and oak. We've had them side by side and agreed, A23 bottlings are something special. So why the huge variance in flavor profiles? Heaven Hill hasn't given me an answer into batching specifics but appreciate anything you can add. Cheers!

[@TheDrSpEd]

Interesting. I just checked mine and it is an A22*** bottle. I definitely don't get the amazing flavors that some reviewers, like Fred, are getting. It is mostly oak, vanilla, a bit of caramel, and spice.

[@javieracosta3439]

@@TheDrSpEd im trying to get traction on the issue. Not to crap on Heaven Hill but to shed light on how these large releases are put together and how flavor consistency is managed. Fred is great at peeling back big overpowering notes and.finding more nuances but even he didn't feel this would rank high in his end of year ranking..wondering if he has an A22.

[@midwestbmw1292]

I have two bottles, both A22. One is opened the other is a backup. I know ECBP pretty well and I have many opened batches. The C923 I have is off the charts in my opinion. Maybe there is something different between a22 and a23 bottles but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s simply anecdotal.

[@javieracosta3439]

@@midwestbmw1292 it was enough for us to swap samples and blind them. We came to the same conclusion. But it's also the small state of Connecticut, so it's possible that the cases of A22 that dropped here are just "off".

[@utoobia]

Mine is A22 code. Last night I compared it blind to B522 and C922; it easily won. Pretty delicious stuff.

[@MrCoreyRobert]

Next tip is to get the auto-focus off so everything in frame is in focus. Great review!

[@nicholasportonova8275]

I just got one at Total Wine. Here in Texas. Can't wait to Crack it open

[@jasongower]

Cheers! You said George T Stagg, but do you mean Stagg (Jr.)? The C923 is amazing, and I'm surprised by how fast I went through it. Now frantically looking for a second bottle!

[@zach_hewitt]

picked up 4 bottles last night @ $65 ea, will enjoy them all.

[@systemtrend3194]

If this isn't in Fred's top 5 of the year, I will be shocked.

[@RobertSkene-qw3ob]

30 Bourbons to taste , sunglasses on , wearing my Fedora not driving and destination the city morgue in a state of Total Delerium!!!😭

[@22Catch22]

I always get toasted marshmallows with ECBP.

[@chicothegreat2126]

It's a dessert called zalabia... look it up. It is all over turkey and the ME.

[@big_whiskey7376]

I 1st tried this at KBF.. fell in love. Great pour!

[@bensurface4376]

Thanks again for the review Fred! Curious how long does it take you to blind 100 whiskeys?

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Fred tasting those elephant ears!

[@baker217]

The focus on your camera said "Fred, it's too close to Thanksgiving to make me work this hard" 😅

[@tillersbourbonchallenge]

This one drinks very well in a blind, Very good review.

[@ScottW4631]

Got one the other day for MSRP. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the review. You’re the best.

[@user-qr9si3ob3f]

Don't be fooled by the high strength. If I would rank it among the last 6 'C' batches (from 2017), it would fairly land to #3; but don't take my word for it as well, it's just me and my opinion!

[@jreezy70]

I might be convinced. I think these usually drink too hot, and I wasn’t a fan of the B523, yet this bottle is getting a lot of accolades, so maybe…

[@serapheum]

C923 is my fav ECBP I have ever had.

[@tyleramooney]

Skip to 4 minutes to actually hear the review lmfao

[@ThreeToesofFury]

@#$%%...im super happy that C923 is both OLDER than 12 yr AND everyone is loving it. But im super sad as ECPB was always one of the very few "allocated" that i could find with a little searching. As such its pretty much been my #1 fav pour for years. Alas with all the buzz around C, its nowhere to find in the wild around here. Poop!

[@100puremustard5]

FACTS!!! I've had no problem getting the previous 3 releases, literally could have bought cases of C922 and A123 (didn't bother with B523 😂). But this C923? The hype was out waaayyy before the actual release. I believe the distributors are hoarding and flipping\trading or just giving to family\friends. Sad....... but there's just no other reason for the sudden change in distibution in my area...

[@Jamie-uq9sr]

Having some c923 as I watch

[@Mimi-fo7kp]

Perhaps you were thinking about churro? It is spanish/portuguese fried dough

[@nickluttio7094]

It's not available anywhere near Minneapolis. Seen it only once in 2 months searching and the wanted $150

[@35057]

So get this. we cannot find this at all and we have (friend and I) have asked numerous stores and I’ve corroborated this “story” with multiple people and stores. buddy was at a store in RI and the manager told him “they’re holding ECBP 923 back because of all the good reviews it’s getting and they’re making it allocated.” That matches what i’ve heard here in the east coast of Mass. same thing at our local stores. distributor “screwed up” or they’re holding it back. 🤬

[@MichaelR-bz8ci]

😂🤣🤣🤣

[@heidiwitherspoon485]

How do you EVEN have a palate remaining? That's so much tasting!

[@byoregon1]

Sounds like maybe you were searching for an Evil Skeever, the Danish pastry. ??

[@robzilla69]

Do you mean Aebleskiver? Nothing evil about those 😂

[@frankterrance4386]

The fried food I got was churro and pastry crust!

[@AaronKleyla]

I've been to over a dozen stores and have not seen this yet. It needs to be on my shelf.

[@MrMortimer0122]

Same here. I knew I was going to be in Jersey for Thanksgiving, so googled some of the liquor stores near where I'd be and one of them listed ECBP in the inventory. Turns out it was ECBP B522 (that's not a typo, it was the 2022 B!), which is an even more extreme version of what I've run into in Western Massachusetts: the stores that do have ECBP on their shelves don't yet have the C923.

[@chriscox8696]

Same here, been looking for it for months. Pretty much since it was released and nothing. The stores had full stock of private barrel but nothing on this batch. I really don't think it came through in my area. Hunted pretty hard for it, came up empty.

[@joshcadieux7371]

I'd call that note, a fried hawaian donut. I think they call them a malasadas?

[@sitori663]

I can nose this bourbon all night. For me, the best ever

[@jaybird4834]

Can’t find it in Pennsylvania. Anyone know an online store selling it?

[@jonwilkinson1188]

Interesting...can't wait for the top 100!

[@markdunn1931]

FYI, your camera is a little blurred in the background. Cheers...

[@AdAce21]

If only I could find this damn bottle........

[@Lawnshrooms]

That bottles becomes a bit distracting because it goes in and out of focus during the review. Loved the review though

[@FredMinnick]

A work in progress!

[@The_Babbling_Brooks]

Damn. Yeah I agree with others, if there are 100 bottles better….im done. I had a good run.

[@huntertherrien5321]

B520>C919>C923>C920 in that order

[@MrJhchrist]

But what's the laser code on this one?

[@scottbeadleston7767]

Agreed….

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

This batch got tatered up and B523 is still chilling in Indiana, but not this one lol.

[@PussyBonpensiero]

C923 isn't tater-juice, it's VERY legit, top 5 bourbon of the year, period.

[@machiavelli_g4458]

this bottle is so good wth wow

[@shmoo1000]

Best batch since C919

[@joegrone9671]

Hasnt even dropped in fl yet and b is still trickling in.

[@watchingu83]

Top 100??? LOL. This is a top 10. Not sure what you’re tasting but this one is the real deal.

[@billslone242]

I thought that the c nine three was pretty good but maybe three point five out of five stars

Baklava? Is that the treat .

[@FredMinnick]

That’s it!!!! Not sure why I couldn’t think of it on the fly

[@thomasmichael6509]

I’m glad your blind showed there weren’t 100 better bottles than this 😂

[@jparkbrannen]

The look at 7:05

[@bizzaam1]

Zeppoli? Beignets? Profiteroles?!

[@gitman3140]

Amazing ascot!

[@baconator1550]

Unpopular opinion… EC A123 > EC C923…

[@jasonkappel2630]

ECA123 is a hitter and very close to ECC923....shhhhh!! Don't tell everyone! LOL!! Enjoy everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@systemtrend3194]

shhhh lol, no but really I think I prefer C923 a bit more but A123 is something special.

[@mikedubs9940]

You are the best.But and however, Just real. I think that’s what you like the most so you’re not losing.

[@jells40]

How the heck can you taste that many whiskies in one evening??

[@FredMinnick]

I stayed at a Holiday Inn

[@jells40]

Hilarious!@@FredMinnick

[@utoobia]

You can’t. Not properly.

[@crisprtalk6963]

133 is just too hot to drink.

[@Steward_of_rakija]

I'm relatively new in the bourbons but can someone help me how van be 133 proof if maximum entry proof for barrel is 125 proof? Thank you

[@brianferguson7327]

The water in the barrel evaporates, leaving behind the alcohol, voila! Higher proof.

[@dlucy1231]

Higher , hotter floors in a Rickhouse can cause the proof entry to go up due to evaporation

[@Steward_of_rakija]

@@dlucy1231 thanks

[@SRVandDtrouble]

How am I supposed to buy this when all I've seen is C922???😅

[@FredMinnick]

Hey that one ain’t bad either

[@SRVandDtrouble]

​@@FredMinnickWell I actually did just pick one up and he had C922 I guess I'm heading back to get that one too!!

[@edsanford1163]

Off the subject, I won a drawing and I get to buy one of these bottles, I'm not sure which one to pick, Blantons Gold, EH taylor single barrel/ barrel proof/ small batch, Bookers 23-04, Four Roses 135th anniversary, Woodford Historic Barrel, Woodford 124.7 Master, Jack 12 yr, Knob creek 18yr, Mister Sam, Wild Turkey master keep voyage, Middleton very rare/ Barry Crockett, I already have a Jack 12 yr which I love, they are selling at MSRP, which one do you think i should buy?

[@HIYFD-o5k]

buy the EH Taylor BP for the value, buy the Four Roses 135th for the flavor, the Mr. Sam for the fact that you will probably see that bottle maybe a couple times in your lifetime at MSRP.

[@edsanford1163]

I had to go with Mister Sam for 300$ thanks for the advice William

[@HIYFD-o5k]

you will not regret it. @@edsanford1163

[@VideoJunkee]

I would’ve preferred to see this 100% blind.

[@zenmindgreenthumbful]

how the hell do u taste 100 products in a day? do u not swallow the whiskey?

[@FredMinnick]

You can see process from past years on channel. But no, in professional competitions, tasters do not swallow. Impossible to do so.

[@jackkinseth2936]

turkish delight?

[@B1gC4st]

Baklava?

[@dapacreative]

Really disliked the C923. Everyone seems to have loved it.

[@SRVandDtrouble]

Do you own the bottle if so check the laser code etched on the back on the bottom. Apparently those starting with A22 aren't as good as numbers in the A23 range. Or at least there is some variance there.

[@mercateer]

you going to be drunk with 100 shots lol

[@FredMinnick]

Nah

[@jv-kg1nb]

This dude rambles like a 90 year old

[@FredMinnick]

Maybe don’t watch my channel? 🤷‍♂️

[@jv-kg1nb]

If you were wise, you might consider my comment as constructive criticism, you’re welcome.

[@caveman6789]

Review the Eagle Rare 25!

[@ryandeleon222]

You're crazy, respectfully

[@utoobia]

It’s CRAZY that some of you loons won’t add water to this jet fuel. Some of you - maybe - have weird palates and the alcohol truly doesn’t overwhelm the flavors. Most of you, I think, are just trying to be manly and are missing out on the full depth and breadth of flavors on this whiskey. I’ve found the sweet spot to be just over 100 proof. That’s THREE full teaspoons of water into 50ml for this pansy. 🤣 Huge increase in complexity.

[@FredMinnick]

Here’s the deal on that: As a critic, I firmly believe in judging a spirit by how it is bottled. I absolutely add water and ice for personal enjoyment. But in a competitive tasting, I only add water when there’s a face off between two spirits in a tie. Rationale: I believe water is the salt and pepper of whiskey. Some people need more salt and pepper than others. Food critics don’t add salt and pepper to the dishes they judge; they critique what the chef cooks and do not alter. Just as I judge what they bottle. Make sense?

[@utoobia]

@@FredMinnick Yep, it makes sense. Thanks. Moreover, it’s good that you put this out here so we understand. And I hope you understand that, while I was making a real point above, I’m also having fun with it. But…I do know a lot of whisky sippers personally and I’ve seen a lot of comments on this topic. I have a lot of company with regard to adding water, a little or a lot, to high ABV whiskies. Would love to see you review them neat, AND with 2-3 stages of water added, but I totally understand that is more time consuming and logistically difficult.

[@Scottmichael111]

A120>C923>all the rest

[@mikedubs9940]

Ah geez

[@billbrady3716]

This was so accurate I went through the annoying task of signing into google just to say this- your description of a funnel cake hits the mark, specifically the edges of the funnel cake which is exactly what I was thinking. Incredible accuracy, exactly what I was thinking as I was trying it as you said it👍🏻🥃🫡

[@GorillaGlueEnthusiast]

Baklava?

[@FredMinnick]

That was it!!! I am glad I described it well enough that so many people figured the mystery for me!! Cheers!

[@GorillaGlueEnthusiast]

@@FredMinnick 🍻