Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 Bourbon Review!

[@francisrizzo1529]

Spotted a Mich10 at a restaurant this weekend and asked how much was a pour? Nice lady at the empty bar said "Michter's? Those are $16." I told her maybe the small batch and American was, but that one should be different. She looks it up in her computer and says, "Yeah, it's $16." Okay, I'll take a pour. It was 9am and I didn't care because it was my first Mich10. Glorious stuff.

[@sardonic151]

Wholesale cost on it currently is $92.80/bottle in New York.

[@patrickrodriguez3095]

Wish I could get one!

[@sardonic151]

@@patrickrodriguez3095 If you paid $16 per drink you could have paid $200 for the whole bottle.

[@croaker4747]

Yeah $16 is about right. It isn’t Pappy 23 or something.

[@seawhiskey]

Sean thinking ECPB is $7-8 at a bar. Cute! 😂

[@sitori663]

That's ridiculous! lol. That's Wild Turkey 101 prices at a casual place if you're not getting price gouged.

[@lukewo5067]

Maybe he has a middle of nowhere Michigan's bias lol. Where I'm from jack daniels 8-10 bucks

[@sitori663]

The more I watch your videos I see how my palate is more in line with the guy on the right (viewers right.) Sorry I forget the names. ECBP is my favorite bourbon overall. It's consistently delicious. Some more spicy or oaky or sweet, but always great IMO. Rare Breed is also my top 5 and the one I stock up on for my bourbon bunker. It's IMO the best buy in bourbon after ECBP. I did learn that for my palate not to drink Rare Breed after ECBP as it was disappointing. It just didn't have the robust flavor of ECBP or mouthfeel. I had a Knob Creek 120 store pick last year that was incredible. $64. Amazing deal. Great reviews, guys!!! You do Michigan proud!

[@superman6338]

Thanks for doing your part in lowering the ECBP Hype... Much appreciated. I love the ECBP... I dislike the sweet like Blanton's... Rare breed is good... But I'd purchase an ECBP over rare breed 9 out of 10 times.

[@andrewfurusawa4609]

I have to agree, their review is really strangely biased against ECBP. Rare Breed is great and JD SBBP is great but ECBP still lives up to the hype for $70-80 imo. Not complaining that they're lowering the hype though.

[@ryandeleon222]

10/10 times

[@TheOnion12]

The A123 Larceny BP is great. Review that one.

[@carywood3946]

Got mine for $65 yesterday. . Store had 6x of them, so I left 5 of them for you guys ;)

[@100puremustard5]

I thought C922 was pretty exceptional, but I love that rich oak profile so...

[@davevogelsang6791]

I picked up EC BP A123 last week and cannot wait to try it. I also found EC BP B522 and Larceny BP C922. Still have not seen Larceny BP A123 yet.

[@terrencemcdermott5840]

Sean’s bar pour price is so low. Haha!! 😆 I will always get these, Stagg and EHTBP are impossible to find. JDSBBP is very available in WI. I like the darker profile of ECBP and not the over sweetness of the others. I also love how each batch can be so different.

[@joenovak6393]

Nice guy's.... The Mash and Drum has overall Oak, Hot(warm) with tannins and would not pay anymore MSRP: $70. If you like Oak then this is for you, I will wait for B&C for the sweetness.

[@stephenbrady916]

Just got a bottle at msrp, so I’m happy. Best bang for buck I’ve encountered. Rare breed is good but too bright to fit my pallet.

[@paulb2399]

Consisitency, price, and availability keep this one in my cabinet. I've 5 right now going back to C920, and for a 12 year barrel proof, I'm just not sure what else there is. Even the 8 and 9 year picks are amazing, and for my palate better than 9 year KC picks. In the absence of Stagg getting an age statement and suddenly being available on the shelf, I'm not really sure where else I'd look for a bottle like this.

[@singjai]

Jd sbbp and ecbp those are only ones u can find around 60%+ staggjr is unobtainable unless u spend $200+ rare breed doesnt have the oily high proof sits below 60%

[@Besokool]

💯agree. I buy every release. Some i bunker an extra bottle or 2. C922 was a special whiskey in my view. I don't think there's a better deal in any Bourbon today - in the $70 price range .

[@the_snicklefritz]

@@singjai Facts. The hype of Rare Breed has gone a little too far. Its is Fantastic for the price, it also has A LOT more competition in the past few years...

[@sitori663]

Exactly. Although I found a 2022 KC 120 store pick for $64 that was amazing. I'm going back to get another for the bunker. Maybe 2.

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Just found a full line of them on the shelf at my local store at $60. Also several cases of Booker’s , some MM BEP and a 10 yr Rebel which I did leave in shelf. That may get me some grief but I bought a lot over the last quarter

[@erhanozsecen4475]

What city is that

[@chad3625]

I picked up 3 of these last week.

[@mrpapinchock]

Also, waiting for your B523 review!!! Got my bottle yesterday. And an ECBP Toasted.

[@mrpapinchock]

I also don’t know if you’re gonna like B523 given your preferences.

[@lukewo5067]

Dude first thing out of Dan's mouth they will go NAS. And literally, the next release was no longer 12. Whoa haha

[@WombatAnnihilator]

the liquor store by where I work has 6 of these. Allocated to one per day, so I grabbed one today, but I may pick up another just to have.

[@the_snicklefritz]

I agreed up until Dan suggested Rare Breed as an alternative. I understand where hes coming from but in a blind the flaws are so obvious compared to A123. Its less viscous, less oily, less depth of flavor, less complex. Rare Breed is solid, but it is not ECBP lol

[@ReverseProof]

I've never gotten/understood the "nuttyness" note. ECBP is always my jam though, especially for the price. That said, Stagg Jr. is #1 in my book with JDSBBP comming in 3rd.

[@kyleslusher4642]

I have A122 about half empty and was able to find a C922 but haven’t opened it yet. I’ll crack it open after I finish 122 and see if I can find 123. Cheers gents.

[@CrazyDude2001]

I recommend opening it up early and doing a blind tasting. That C922 is terrific. As well as the Larceny Barrel Proof!

[@Plubes]

The sharpie marker is the new Heaven Hill funk.

[@TavoPR]

Finally got it today. Can't wait to try it.

[@21Barrels]

Just got mine yesterday!

[@nauvoogamefarm8835]

Grabbed 2 today for $70 each, they had probably 20+ of them

[@whiskyandsports2964]

The quality and availability make this a must have, it’s $69.99 in NJ

[@raymonddurkin]

At MSRP in Massachusetts, $69 no tax.

[@ChadWoodNC-PiedmontSkyCams]

Just got mine today!

[@jamessocal8946]

C922 still available here in Los Angeles for $70. Don’t know if the price will go up with the 2023 editions. Funny how many years the junkies will pick one batch, Jason C another and IBN a third.

[@debrac3032]

Which proves the point that everyone’s palates are different. Just because one person likes something doesn’t mean that you will.

[@ericbaldwin9424]

You mean it's like when Sean pointed out Triple Mash smelled like Play-Doh. Now I can't un smell it.

[@croaker4747]

I’ve had three bottles of the Larceny A123, but have not found this one yet. However, I have both the EC and Larceny C922 & the Larceny is hands down better.

[@chadverhey9044]

Just found the a123 in west Michigan for $69.95 at family fare!

[@adamdiehl79]

So I picked up one of these locally (Huron County) and there were 3 more on the shelf 😬

[@Sphader]

I got super lucky in CA and my local Costco had the 2022 C release at $56, no idea, how, no idea why, but it was there. I had a bottle with like 6 pours of it, but you bet your ass I got another bottle lol.

[@gmaster45612374]

ECBP is to the point where you really don’t need to chase batches anymore. It’s like Rarebreed. When you run out, just grab another one..

[@scoobtoober2975]

Not sure if you do. But I'd suggest letting the bottle breath a week or two. Open cork for one day then sit 6 more. See if that changes anything

[@lonewanderer3603]

At the bar around me, plain old maker's mark is a $9 pour. Jim Beam white label is $6. So I'd expect to pay $15 for this.

[@musicmakesmefeelgood-b4e]

Saw you guys do a Bulleit pick a while back and wondered are the new Bulleit Barrel Proofs (Batch 7) distilled by them? Or are they still being sourced from Four Roses or Beam which the internet is going on about?

[@BourbonJunkies]

It's all in the air, we might do another pick this year but it really depends on what gets pulled

[@daveblake2587]

These sit on the shelf where I live. NEVER see EH Taylor anything, Weller (except Special Reserve), but ECBP's are not hard to find.

[@daveblake2587]

So, for example, multiple C922's are on the shelf right now for $80. Or were last night. Have not seen this A release here yet.

[@aaronknight4800]

Just picked up 2 bottles today in PA. $64.99 each

[@blakeanderson1214]

Just bought one today 69.95 msrp

[@systemtrend3194]

Please don't compare Rare Breed to ECBP, you're insane! ECBP blows it away and it's not even close.

[@jreezy70]

Some batches have, but if you want consistently good bourbon, Rare Breed holds its own against ECBP. I enjoy both.

[@tylercarter2445]

Agreed!

[@mikecofojohn168]

Tastes like burning -Ralph Wiggum

[@SC-zp3kn]

got it for $59 on Kirtland AFB today, can't wait to crack it

[@StrongWing93]

Can we get a release of places that are doing $5-$7 pours? Cause that hasn’t been around since prohibition lol -A Broke California

[@Frozen-Spirits-Alaska]

I picked up a c922 yesterday, when I spotted it I was expecting it to be A123

[@royn8032]

Really good stuff...Lucky enough for me to get one....This is as close to BTAC as us poor folks can get I think

[@davidvoth7218]

Would you rather buy Bardstown Disco 9 or ECBP A123?

[@Besokool]

I have both. Both great. I enjoyed C922 much more than A123. Discovery 9 is also amazing, but 2x the cost of ECBP. Nice to have money for both. Save up for Discovery 9 before they all disappear. Then, you can always grab the next release of ECBP.

[@neatsip]

Just saw EHT Small Batch at $17 where I live.

[@mrpapinchock]

HOW DID YOU GUESS THAT ECBP WOULD GET RID OF THE AGE STATEMENT!?!?

[@PeaceIsBetter]

How would you know what a cherry cordial tastes like? What is that?

[@jasono.1629]

Great review guys. Hope they don’t drop the age statement on these, but I think it’s coming. These have been going downhill slowly over past 2 years.

[@bmery44]

And now it’s here.

[@jasono.1629]

@@bmery44 a sad day. Watch these eventually drop down to only 10 years old and 115 proof.

[@lilfrosty1759]

Total Wine's in my area have JDSBBP for $55 and they sit on the shelves. ECBP gets sold at $100+ and they get sold out immediately at every store. Blows my mind.

[@eafarrar]

I personally prefer the Elijah Craig/Heaven Hill profile over Jack Daniels...but ¿porque no los dos? It's limited release AND age stated at 12 years and the JDSBBPs aren't either of those so that explains a lot aside from the profile.

[@RichardPalmbergDDS]

Maybe more people just like ECBP? Lol

[@pickleeater3102]

I find the JD barrel proof to be wildly inconsistent.; one bottle rocks your world, then another is a drain pour. Literally a drain pour....I had one that smelled and tasted like a fresh cut hayfield.

[@sethcourtney468]

I still get that permanent marker smell on first crack, and for some reason I’ll go back to it a couple days later and it’s vibrant with fruit and earth off the nose

[@tonyjandora9674]

I just picked up one this past weekend. I agree that I would rather have the Stagg but I still enjoy the A123 and glad I picked it up. As always I enjoyed your review.

[@TheMarcopix]

I bought the C920 a couple of years ago and it had an overpowering 'soap' taste to it. Might be one of those 'cilantro' things where some people love it and others hate it and think it tastes like soap. Dunno...but I did NOT enjoy it...even after letting it sit for a couple of months.

[@reigningwhiskey]

Dan called it four months before they removed the 12

[@BourbonJunkies]

Savant shit right there

[@thickerliquor]

Elijah Craig is generally a super smooth bourbon !! 123 is a beast !

[@bourbonapprentice]

Sean was sooooo out of touch thinking ANYTHING is $7-9 at a bar these days, never mind ECBP

[@LeatherDaddy97]

As always, ill be getting it

[@maddie4077]

They are $64.99 in Pa, with tax about $68.50.

[@brentroth5639]

Just paid 65 in Pa

[@beginningbourbon7385]

I’m moving to Michigan if I can get ECBP pours for $8!!! That is easily all day long $15-$20 a pour here in NC.

[@joeyyoshizumi]

I still have my C920 sealed. I am waiting for a special moment in my life to crack it open!

[@coltonrowland4261]

Just one man’s opinion but life is short and shot happens. Get some friends and family together who enjoy bourbon and crack it together at the first opportunity. It’s one of my favorite bottles.

[@Besokool]

I have a sealed B520. Waiting for that moment as well. No politics - but I will crack it when a certain toddler leaves the planet.

[@radfield6089]

I dont understand how cali is so far behind, B522 just started showing up. Luckily we have spots to get them at msrp pretty consistently.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

This is my favorite batch since C920. So fruity. It’s like the Uigeadail of Bourbon. So good.

[@bluephi210]

Been hunting for this in Texas but no luck as of yet.

[@Funky_Frankie_1]

Tell me where I can get a good pour for $7...

[@andrewfurusawa4609]

I'm sorry but it is laughable to say "I'd rather have Stagg Jr." when it's basically unobtainium. At $80, I would take ECBP over RB, JDSSBP, Blanton's, or EH Taylor SB (haven't tried SiB though) any day. But I also don't get that sharpie note you keep picking up.

[@Besokool]

Agree 100%.

[@jsherrydds]

What does “markers” mean?

[@homer0919]

Nothing in the Midwest is MSRP anymore even eagle rare I'm seeing for 100 a bottle and that's crazy

[@anhack13]

My store contact told me he had a few of these coming. Glad you told me it was chocolate. That just means I can now get two Redwood Empire bottles he is getting in soon instead.

[@rev936]

For what it's worth imo I don't get any chocolate. It's cherry cola all day. Some baking spices. Killer bottle. Still the best value in bourbon. Larceny A123 slaps too. HH did a great job with the first releases of 2023.

[@offcolorproductions4096]

Did they drink 75% of the WLW in like a few weeks?

[@syenet02]

An old fashioned with blantons is 25 in Alabama. I bet that would be 28 here.

[@pickleeater3102]

I am definitely caring less about these as the years go on; and that's coming from a big ECBP fan. So many other good whiskies to enjoy.

[@talljohn5350]

I kinda feel the same way but more so because I know I can get these with ease and I already have 3 open bottles

[@TheBourbonNote]

Agreed. We usually like to pick these up to review them, but passed on the C 9-22 last year just because they've all been similar in taste and proof for the last few releases. I think 80 is fair for a 12 year barrel proof but, if you already have a couple other ones on the shelf, do you really need to pick up every release? I'm starting to lean towards no.

[@jasono.1629]

Agreed. C920 was the last really good one. Any prior to that were awesome too to me, A118, C917, etc.

[@the_snicklefritz]

@@TheBourbonNote C922 and A123 are significantly better the any batch post C920... Id pick one up...

[@the_snicklefritz]

@@jasono.1629 Ive done 2 blinds involving C920 and A123... A123 won both times. I love a dark, rich, oakey bourbon and A123 checks all the boxes imo

[@justhalog3318]

I'm in Florida, and I almost bought one for $100.

[@cjcrook1]

Episode idea, go to some bars, find the best pours or best pours for the price our of like 5 bars.

[@trini-xrp1656]

I bet if they did a double blind it with half thebottles they called out it will be close to winning.

[@homer0919]

I still have 2 bottles of c922 to drink

[@sistoav3844]

Luckily they are still 64.99 in PA

[@58markmc]

Boys!? What's with the lighting?

[@austinericson3544]

Most Barrel proof is between 20 and 30 a pour around us in IL. Larceny is usually in the 20 range. ECBP is 25 range usually and EHTBP and Stagg Jr is in the 30 range. ECBP is usually 85-90 to buy if we even see them in stores.

[@Lefthandman333]

Bar pricing from 10+ years ago lol

[@Reamer]

It's unfortunate that markups on anything even remotely limited are the norm now.

[@erichartnett41]

Hey, we're the Bourbon Junkies. I'm Sean and Dan is trying to milk himself.

[@Jeepmen103]

ECBP A123, ECBP C922, LBP A123, LBP C922, blind

[@blove932]

Still $64.99 in PA

[@Sid-np3hf]

$100 in Chicago

[@drewdown7036]

Found one for 64.99 today

[@drewdown7036]

And a case of eagle rare lol

[@michelem9341]

For me, 60ish bucks or less is my limit. Thanks for a great review.

[@TheMarcopix]

Agreed. Went to a store down the street and they had all the 'biggies'. Elmer T Lee, Stagg Jr., 5 different Wellers, a OF Birthday bourbon...thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Until, I saw the prices. I'm just not doing that anymore. Bought a Lucky 7 12 year with Xmas money but it wasn't horribly over priced...the others? Ridiculous. $300 + for the cheapest Weller and $1176 for the Birthday bourbon. Stagg Jr was over $300. I know they're good but I can find juice I really, really enjoy for well under $100. Good luck out there....

[@pickleeater3102]

@@TheMarcopix good for you; I'm doing the same, spending less money on still good whiskey.

[@qlfnj1845]

BOOKERS

[@teddyballgame25]

Kudos for finally admitting this just aren’t your jam.

[@stephencornicelli3194]

I bought one...the hotball finish is disgusting...and I love ECBPs

[@DaveH8905]

As others said, the last really good one was C920, which was life changing. ECBP’s are always better when they are in the 130+ proof range. They must be selecting different barrels these days than in the old days. Your average 120 range batches, to me, are just not as good as Knob Single Barrels at 120 proof. Which is also cheaper. ECBP is ALWAYS good, but KCSB is better, so I don’t rush out to get these. Having said that, I agree with others - there are very few easily attainable higher proof barrel proof products left on the market. JDSBBP, KCSB, and ECBP. 1792 FP, Benchmark FP, Stagg Jr, and EHTBP are all unicorns where I live. Even Larceny BP is a unicorn for me. ECBP stands alone amongst all those, whether you can find them or not, for its age. Agh. Maybe I need to pick one up.

[@JolietZett]

I like rare breed but I think the ECBPs beat it all day long..

[@aldogomez2681]

San Diego $25 a Dram.

[@bambino267899]

got my a123 for 69.99

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

I like EJ but, given overall taste, price & availability I'd lean towards Rare Breed readily available for $53 or less 🥃😎🤙

[@andrewvermeire6125]

Pretty sure I can still go get those for $50

[@Eskimohow]

I’m not a fan. All I get is heat with them. I’m more into the larceny barrel proof.

[@normlang1994]

I ❤ECBP. I still have 1/3rd of a bottle of C'22 in my cabinet. Can't wait until this shows up on my local shelf.