Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124 Bourbon Review! A Cause For Concern?

[@a68freak]

I'm an ECBP fan for sure. Even at 10 years it's a great value. A 10 yr full proof, not many out there.

[@DaveH8905]

For sure

[@jesseobrien973]

How dud you like c922 n c921 ?

[@jeffreyking279]

Getting less for more. The new norm. Thanks for the honest review.

[@Reamer]

Appreciate how grounded your reviews are for annual releases like this, because you compare to the entire line and not just the outstanding batches. Thanks, Jason!

[@stuartrollings602]

Thanks Jason…you are the most believable of all the reviewers I watch. If I find one of these I will def pick one up as they are so rare! Throw em down! 🥃

[@TheModernNeanderthal]

I’ve had store picks that are 10 years old, and younger, that were very good. As long as it’s good, the age and proof can vary, in fact, it adds to my interest in getting each new batch, not all being the same

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yep. I kind of agree. But I think to some level the batches released from heaven hill directly so need to separate themselves a bit.

[@TheModernNeanderthal]

@@TheMashandDrum true true. Like you said, it’ll be interesting to see what the rest of the year has in store. Maybe the plan is to release their heavy hitter in the C batch every year

[@DaveH8905]

@@TheModernNeanderthalJason is exactly right. If you don’t mind the 8-10 year, and want to find a more unique profile, then get the store picks.

[@michaelhoffer9172]

These are always a buy for me. I agree these are always a great value even though some are much better than others. You'll hear many whiskey tubers talk about $10 per year of age being an acceptable price to pay for bourbon and these are always way below that threshold.

[@ckal_]

This whole $10/year being a fair price saying needs to go. It's so stupid

[@35057]

I always buy them also, so when this c923 hype just made that bottle completely unavailable for me here, it really bugged me since I’ve been such a loyal EC/HH fan.

[@adamc624]

Seems like their A release is always spicier. B is always sweeter or more smooth. C usually they give us balance. Atleast in last couple years.

[@coreysstillbarking]

Very true.

[@Blinc32]

The B releases have had more of that HH "nutty" profile than the other releases have imo.

[@TruthOverLies]

I’m a Irish Whiskey guy but starting to learn and appreciated good bourbon thanks to you! Rock on! 🥃

[@baconator1550]

Nice!

[@donishita]

I've noticed that people compliment a whiskey by saying it punches about it's proof on "lower" proof bottles and also compliment higher proof bottles (130+) by saying it drinks like a much lower proof and is very easy to enjoy. Great review!

[@peterb.3278]

I’m still looking forward to this batch- it’s good to have an occasional batch with a bit of a different profile- great review!

[@napotn1k]

That's what's up! Totally agree.. I love DIFFERENT batches, not same ol same ol 12 year, nice to have variety within the different year's releases. Love it!

[@williamparker8318]

I've seen a number of these A, B, & C reviews over the years (and drank a few of them). And what I see is the consistency of each one of these annual categories. Elijah Craig continues to offer what they do best to all palettes. Good review. Cheers

[@nickp5511]

Rewatching! I just picked up my bottle of A124 today and I think it’s a great pour! I’m really enjoying this one a lot! Getting ready to try my bottle of Larceny A124 next! I never got a ECBP C923 but I do have a store pick that’s 133 proof and it’s really nice also!

[@dustinpowell2349]

I feel like this will be a pattern going forward. They start the year with a warmup and build to the fall release being the knockout. Just a hunch.

[@ckal_]

A123 is in no way a warm up. I may like that even more than C923.

[@0529mpb]

It's pretty much a 10 year store pick. We are used to the releases being older and having more oak. B523 wasn't the best batch, but no one could complain about a lack of oak. I will buy this and see. The price is right.

[@bigcheeze68]

BIN! 🤣Sounds interesting, and according to what the HH employee who guided us through our barrel pick told us, this is exactly why they went to a variable age statement so they can play with flavor profiles more.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Makes total sense.

[@C_H_1972]

Of course they had to drop the 12 year age statement. So many stores have ECBP Single Barrels! Even small mom and pops have them. It’s all about money and it’s depleting stocks that would have beefed up the regular releases. Awesome review Jason as always! Thank you.

[@DiegoG.whiskey]

Your description sounds right up my alley..spice, punch, pepper corn...not a candy bomb..from your description sounds great!!!!!!

[@coreyclark6505]

I had a 10 yr store pick that was an absolute banger. I’ll pick this up regardless. Never had a bad ECBP…. Just some that are better than others.

[@LoJack-zb8fm]

Great review Jason C! I’m a huge ECBP fan and my all time favorite is the A123! I’m such a fan that I didn’t even open up my C923’s…. I’ll just have to open that up when all my backs up of the A123’s are finished 🤣

[@cmarr81]

Some of my county's store picks have been barrel proofs with age statements as low as 9 years. I always grab them when I see them, because some of them are amazing, even with the lower age statement!

[@FakingANerve]

Agreed! Same here. I've only skipped one, and it wasn't because it was "only" 8 years, it's because I have 6 ECBPs already and I need to calm the hell down. 😂

[@UltrahotPeppers]

You're correct about the time of availability because I recently picked up an EC C923 and a couple Larceny C923 here in Wisconsin so who knows when anything A124 will show up.

[@toddlksbrbn]

I really like EC products. There’s a local liquor store here that has amazing EC store picks. They have become my favorite pours.👍🏼

[@whiskeyyum1341]

Jason - great job, thanks!!(Tough to compare colors when you are wearing a black top. )

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah but you can see it pretty clearly the differences.

[@thebigcor]

Every ECBP is a value. I buy back ups of every ABC batch and any store pick I see. HH juice is yuuum

[@PinkTorpedo909]

I just picked this up out of town for $70 and the store had plenty more. It’s still better than any Larceny BP I’ve had…

[@thepope9794]

Just picked up 2 bottles of ECBP and 1 Larceny BP . I agree with you 100%, not even in the same league. JMO Cheers

[@Joshvarghese12]

Amazing videos, info, and analysis as usual. Would you be able to do a year over year comparison of ECBP? Would be interested in your thoughts in retrospect since some 2022 and 2023 batches got some hate. How do they stack up now against the 2024 generation

[@nickp5511]

Nice review! I really don’t mind the variation of age. It’s still a great value. Sometimes the lower proof makes for a good change in overall flavor. I thought the b523 was still good and because of all the craze on the c923 a lot of us never saw one anywhere. I really enjoy the c920 and c922 and the a123

[@terrencemcdermott5840]

That color difference. 😆 I know I know 3 more years. They are getting down into the store pick range, now store picks are generally more expensive at least around here. But I wonder since they are dipping so low if we will start to see these sit… a little longer at least.

[@rizzlion]

If I could actually buy these at $70, I wouldn't care about their stats and get it every time. But being usually $90-100+, I start to pick and choose which one I actually want.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

Yep. Had to pony up 100 for C923 and it took me forever to find one. I'm glad to see the shine come off for this release and happy to pass on it.

[@JD0124]

Just bought this A124. Figured I'd better grab it while it was still relatively-readily-available. Grabbed it for around $60.00. I'd heard, "butterscotch" from other sources, and that will always lure me in. I agree... the C923 was a beast. And you were, indeed, correct. This A124 has been getting panned since you made this review. I think it's silly. EC has never let me down.

[@BA-hk3ct]

Not worried about age statement. In addition there might be a few independent distillers and mgp, that can compare. The fun is finding the distillery.

[@dustinpischel3058]

Definitely going to buy it if I can find it. The good thing about not being able to find/try the C923 is that any of the other recent batches don’t have to live up to it. 😂

[@sandeepcheema8279]

Great Jason first one here - could not believe myself. Love the content

[@zachh6094]

I’ll tell myself I’m not going to buy it, but I can never ever resist buying them for MSRP when I see them in stores. I have a problem!

[@jeffgross384]

This helps so much in helping to make my purchasing decision. Thanks!

[@mf_motty]

The B521 you mentioned I've just opened and it's really really good! I like higher proof's but it just drinks well and very enjoyable!

[@bmc2567]

Love your very honest straight forward reviews. I don’t mind spice so definitely will be one I’ll be on the lookout for.

[@davevogelsang6791]

EC BP’s are all good; some just better than others. 🥃

[@Subourbon]

i FINALLY got the C923, and here we go again!

[@NolenNova33]

Fire is Fire...10 years or not! Wonder if they will go past the 13 yr? maybe 14,15,16? might as well be a special release, heaven hill or parkers ect.

[@shawnmahoney1892]

Just picked this up at my local Costco 65.99……..a few bottles left. I grabbed a bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof instead of a second one of these…..What a spice bomb….

[@coywagoner779]

I recently picked one up. Initially, it reminded me of KC12 with more pepper. There’s a lot going on when that heat hits. Several flavors linger and go in and out. It may be citrus that I can’t pick out. Mine had some nutty character on the front. The heat reminds me a little of a wasabi burn that trails off. I’m not big on high proof, so I’m surprised I appreciated the pour.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Wasabi is a great call. Has that quick spice

[@ejbsee6081]

I live in Florida. I have purchased 9-year-old private barrels for $100 been pleased and Still have an unopened 9 year. Florida pricing is an issue. Don't expect to see any ECBP near me at MSRP

[@jamessocal8946]

One of the larger stores around here is currently running a special on B523 @ $59.99.

[@odehhaddad3959]

I got the mission email too lol. Didn’t love the B523

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

3:47 I've learned not to review something until the third glass at least. It's not so much that the "neck pour" is misleading, but rather that even with whiskies that don't change much if at all after opening, I just can't properly understand a whisky on the first or second glass. But with those that do change, the third glass seems to be when the juice settles down.

[@richl4030]

Would love to see you rank this against some of the lower rated ECPB’s (like the 21’s)

[@davidvoth7218]

If my store tells me I can only pick one, that being ECBP A124 or Larceny BP A124, which one should I pick?

[@adamsohn9752]

Found this and the most Larceny BP last night and the EC actually rang up below MSRP at around $65 which I was pretty stoked about. I would have been happy with it either way though, I think even at normal price it's a good bourbon. For whatever reason it does not taste as peppery to me as most reviewers seem to believe, I get that very strong and pleasant sweet nuttiness that I associate with heaven hill. Not really that hung up on the age/proof personally, I'm pretty firmly in the "it's ready when it's ready" camp and it doesn't taste like it was rushed or bottled too early to me. Plenty rich and oaky without hitting over oaked territory, I think it's right about in the sweet spot. I actually like the slightly lower proof too, but to my palate anything over around 120 tends to drink too hot without adding some water and I know that's not the case for everyone.

[@bigcat9010]

What's the name of the glass you are drinking out of?

[@whatsthepoint170]

We still have A123 bottles hanging out at the stores in my state

[@35057]

EC/HH is my jam so I’ll always buy it. MAS is just that also, minimum age statement. So it will vary from now on which is fine with me.

[@nicksinderson3302]

Yes, it's not c922 but l'm really loving a124...spicy!

[@beerme8949]

I actually liked this one pretty solidly. Not saying my favorite. But i got this interesting dusty type profile that im probably not describing well. But it set with me pretty well and i enjoy it. I did pick up that tobacco that you got, definitely no regrets.

[@rogerrandall5140]

I am all in at least 2 bottles!! Cheers Jason

[@nathanjohnson2185]

Couldn’t never find the C923 hopefully I can find this one

[@sethClark-yu1ue]

Jason, how about a Champions League blind: ECBP C923 Stagg Jr Batch 12 Booker’s Country Ham And maybe your last four bourbons of the year?

[@gtmustang09]

I've been a fan of ECBP over the years. Personally I'll be picking up this one, i enjoy spice. My favorite remains C919 but i still have to compare it to C923. Great review as always, Cheers 🥃

[@Blinc32]

I wouldn't expect it to directly compare to C923. What other bourbons are we expecting to compare to older, higher proof expressions? Right? I'm still going to pick one up if I see it because I really enjoy ECBPs in general and I appreciate their differences. Arguably all Stagg releases are different so why can't these all be different ya know? Cheers Jason, thanks for reviewing this one!

[@TheMashandDrum]

I agree. There's not many. Even stagg is 6-8 years old. Rare breed has some 12 year in it. Probably not a lot though.

[@systemtrend3194]

I have a feeling we are going to look back at some point at these batches and say damn remember when these were 10-12 yrs old. My point is I think the age statements will start to get lower and lower with the occasional higher aged batch thrown in from time to time. I wouldn't be surprised in 2-3 years or less if there are 6-7yr ECBP batches. Bookers does it and charges more msrp so why can't HH? Having said that, I will always buy ECBP batches.

[@TheMashandDrum]

We will see. Goes to my point of until we see more of a pattern we shouldn't worry just yet.

[@jasono.1629]

I think you’re right, this is exactly what will happen.

[@numanuma20]

I am a big fan of Scotch but will have to try a sample of it.

[@PlumbNumbs]

The store picks have always been lower age and usually lower proof than the batched barrel proofs, so the main thing they've had going for them has been the uniqueness of a single barrel. That has changed for the first time for me with this batch, I picked up an 11 year store pick @ 122 proof which means on paper I lean towards the store pick on all 3 stats

[@nickp5511]

I also think there is a really nice sweetness up front and then a really nice spice that stays on the front of my tongue and last quite awhile!

[@stompugood18]

I just paid $67 in West Virginia for my A124

[@vladtepes9614]

My total was $75 after tax in Charleston.

[@MrLabanimal]

Will always buy if it ever comes available in NC. Appreciate the review to know what I might be getting into.

[@pakjaded8819]

they all come to nc what part are you from

[@MrLabanimal]

@@pakjaded8819 Wilmington

[@MrJhchrist]

There's 1067 of them sitting in the state warehouse right now.

[@MrLabanimal]

@@MrJhchrist Thank you. Great information. I’ll alert my favorite ABC store

[@pakjaded8819]

@@MrJhchrist how did you figure out that info

[@realreviews3118]

I’m gonna buy it just for the sheer support of Heaven Hill. I feel they give us some Bangers for a fair price!

[@bourbonbill]

Good lord look at that color difference! I always say the darker the better

[@jeffreyspencer4005]

I paid $64.99 plus tax. Seriously, a nearly 11 year barrel proof at that price is ridiculous value. Like it a lot and bought a backup.

[@jacksontd7757]

I've heard that the Larceny A124 is a bit spicier than the usual as well. Not sure how true that is only heard that from one source and I'm yet to try it.

[@williamsedlock3903]

Back in 1997 or 98 a friend that Buffalo Trace at the time told me they were changing the bottling from the old bottling and taking the 12-year off the front and doing a bunch of crazy things so I went out and spent a whole more bunch of money than I should have lol and bought cases of booze now today my 12-year-old 1997s I've been offered $500 a bottle for them and my 1992 wellers people go crazy and to think I paid less than $50 for them😂

[@jg5555]

Great review but honestly all it did was bum me out tht I haven't gotten my hands on a C923 yet. Lol.

[@pouringwhiskey9203]

Being an ECBP fan, I’ll still be hunting this bottle even a lower proof and year statement

[@nt6382]

What heaven hill should be prepared for is the consumer that does not want to pay the same price for a 10 yr and change age statement, when they can wait and pay the same price for a 12 or even 13 yr age statement.

[@fuzzygremlin88]

Love the reviews as always

[@BenGG85]

I’ll probably try and snag one, but not 2 like I did the C923

[@jlb9074]

I really don’t get too hung up on the age statement. They brought a 8 yr bottle to KBF for their single barrel, and it’s delicious.

[@Whiskey_BS]

Jason, I trust your palette on this. I’ll buy it if I can find it. I’m in Ohio unfortunately 🙁.

[@TheMashandDrum]

This will be around soon I think.

[@MrCleveland]

I love me some ECBP. We are where we are with the bourbon boom. Can’t change it. Accept it or don’t drink it 🤷🏽‍♂️. The major distillers are gonna do what they do. 🤦🏼‍♂️ 😱

[@faysboy]

Will your podcast be available on Overcast ever?

[@TheMashandDrum]

I can take a look

[@ericdesmarais589]

I always need 1 but on a good batch I get a couple. I care less about the age statement and more the quality of the whiskey. I think the concern over decreasing age statement is more so a concern of a downward trend in quality of a product we love. Hopefully this isn’t worse than B523, maybe a double bass to settle it 😂

[@BlankenshiptheDevil]

Yep, this

[@DaveH8905]

100%

[@timmytuffy5344]

Maybe shoulda compared this one to the b523 ?

[@TheMashandDrum]

I'll do some more. I really want to find the last spicy batch I've tasted.

[@thebigdubnetwork]

Jason you know the bourbon community will bitch about this before even drinking it lol

[@TheMashandDrum]

Ohhhhh yes. lol

[@DaveH8905]

Dude, don’t act high and mighty and above others. You can’t possibly tell me that these kinds of things don’t matter. You know they do. Value comprises more than just taste. Most of us don’t have unlimited budgets to buy every single bottle that hits the market. We try to make, informed, reasoned, smart decisions with which bottles we buy. And herein lies the problem with A124…….

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@DaveH8905 so your implying that a bourbon that's 3 months short of 11 years old and 70 dollars in today's market is a bad value? This another solid batch of ECBP. Folks will give it a bad rap for one of two reasons....either they don't like the age statement or they can't flip it for more money. Now if anyone flat out doesn't like it ..that's fine...but I won't stop buying it. I do think that heaven hill does need make sure these stand out from the regular single barrels they are putting out there.

[@DaveH8905]

Also, if you don’t care about age statements, or proof points, or the history and reputation and standards of ECBP as a whole, and you are perfectly happy to snag up every batch no matter what, enjoy it and not complain, and be the most happy go lucky ECBP drinker, then GREAT! No big deal. Love it. But don’t take the piss out of those who do care about those things and act like we’re being immature.

[@jasoncoates1835]

@@TheMashandDrumHaha... it starts already. 😂

[@FakingANerve]

People losing their mind over the age statements and proof variations make me chuckle. These aren't exactly young bourbons nor are they weak. 10+ year HH juice at barrel proof for $75? Um, sign me up! I don't care so much about having the highest proof or oldest juice - how does it taste? ECBP is always a solid pour, IMO.

[@AdAce21]

I'm out on this bottle, not b/c of the age statement (Larceny BP is consistently one of my favorite bourbons), but because of the flavor profile. I don't like ryes or bourbons that drink really spicy. Still hoping to find C923........

[@joshuabunkers1494]

Interesting. After dropping the age statement, not one of the next 3 EJBP bottles came in with a 12 year age statement. A 10 year, 11 year and 13 year.

[@mattchuck77]

I'm excited now. I love a spicy bourbon!

[@TorupHodl]

They should just do 2 drops a yr vs 3 and we can actually find them around

[@philc1884]

Interesting, after such a banger w C923, this seems like a regression, at least age wise. Cheers, J.

[@BrianVaughn]

Have to laugh at the availability. Seems B523 has been around forever, A123 is showing up on shelves now and I just saw Larceny C923 for the first time this past weekend.

[@DaveH8905]

Yeah it’s bizarre. B523 is still everywhere.

[@jacksontd7757]

I will still buy when I finish my B523 lol

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

Hate that ECBP has doubled in price now around me

[@VanBourbonBoy]

Hard to follow a legend

[@sugarkitty4777]

Mixed in with the A124 nut bomb I get a really seriously funky earthy dirt at the tail end of the peanut flavor. That just totally turned me off to this particular one. Not as funk as something like a Calumet 14, but just too noticeable for me.

[@ChefsResources]

I couldn't help but notice that you took your first sip and then edited it out to come back for a second sip. For me, the fresh crack pour was really bad, unbalanced, hot, spicy, nasty in the mouth. But when I came back to it a few days later, the sweetness was more apparent. I still found it too spicy/hot for its proof, but it definitely showed me a great example of how sometimes a fresh crack bottle needs to be re-visited later.

[@mikedee5641]

Ran across this bottle today, almost bit, should have. $89.99 that's the going rate here in Mo. for a EJ BP.

[@RhinoViper]

The last couple I bought in MO were around $70-$75 I think....don't recall completely but I've never paid $90 for a bottle. I'm 20 min NE of Kansas City.

[@mikedee5641]

Were in KC now. This store had it marked $89.99. I bought the A123 in St. Louis area awhile back for $74

[@DiegoG.whiskey]

It's always $99 here in NM 🤷‍♂️

[@Posterharpua]

i've got some 8 year barrel picks and they kinda suck. overly hot, not well rounded at all like the old 12 year batches.

[@sistoav3844]

Def passing on this one

[@ryandeleon222]

C923 supposedly has 15 and 17 yo in it. A124 is gonna have a real tough time competing

[@KennethRathburn]

I think blinding this against B521, B523, and a pick would make more sense than C923.

[@jimm8799]

I will buy it. Of course I wish it would match C923. I will maybe not buy less than 12 years in the future if two lower ages in a row are sub par. Below 10 years, I will not buy it.