Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A121 Review!

[@johnl7680]

Scored an A121 today. For kicks I checked the entire row in the store and found a B520 as the last bottle in the row. Score. Bought both. Good day. Keep up the great work Jason. Love your channel.

[@ryandeleon222]

Great day!

[@coleboozer4032]

I have every batch since A119, it's my favorite juice. I've been looking for it at my usual haunts with no luck yet. Glad for the review!

[@ghantakha5568]

A119 is as good as B520 👍🏼

[@coleboozer4032]

@@ghantakha5568 I love them all, but A119 is what made me fall in love with ECBP

[@jeromeschmidt7805]

As a much less experienced enthusiast, I reaaaaally liked this. Had a friend over this weekend and we both enjoyed it. Just happened to be at Total Wine at the right time.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Oh its still great. Just missing something compared to last years.

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Great score Jerome and great choice to enjoy with a friend!

[@charlymiller]

ECBP is one of my absolute favorites, thanks for the review.

[@dccoletrain]

I FINALLY found an ECBP after trying for 2 years locally. It pays to be cool to your local store employees. I’m saving it for another weight loss goal. Lol

[@quintonking5089]

Bought this bottle last month. Comparing this to just the C919 batch I still have, I agree with your assessment. This one left a little to be desired as far as ECBP standards go with the expected big and bold flavors. Thinner and not as punchy with the proof which, as we know, higher proof typically brings more flavors and complexity. However, still a very nice, delicious sipper with great value just like the ones that came before it. Nice work, Jason!

[@mikecoleman3433]

So far, I’ve had the A120 and the B520 and I really liked the A120

[@poppajoe3154]

Just got hold of A121 a few days ago. I still have unopened bottles of last year’s B and C that I haven't tried. After watching this I may need to enjoy A121 by itself first, and then bust into the other two down the road. Thanks for the review and comparison with previous batches...Cheers!

[@THutch556]

Great review Jason. This Bottle really opens up. Mine has been open for about a month and it’s a great pour. Check back in with that bottle later on and see if it improves for you too. Not as good as C920, but better than last years A120. Keep up the great reviews.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Oh I think it's still great. Just not the level of C or B 20

[@mojo88bassandbourbon72]

Halfway through bottle becomes dark cherry Red apple BOMB

[@LP23D6]

@@TheMashandDrum Have you noticed that the first releases of the year aren't as good as the later releases. Something to do with the temperature?

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@LP23D6 not sure. Tends to go that way for me too. The Bs and Cs are usually the hitters.

[@LP23D6]

@@TheMashandDrum I notice the longer it breathes in the glass the more the peanut goes away. There is a faint nut taste on the tail end that lasts a couple min.

[@traxmark]

It took me my second sitting with this to really appreciate it. The B520 was my favorite last year but this batch really grows on you. It's personality really opens up to you after while. Nice review as usual. Thanks Jason.

[@jamesbradley8024]

The A121 is the best of A batches IMO 🔥🥃🔥

[@carlossandiego7925]

I’m so happy that the C920 still seems better. It was the only ECBP I could find from last year’s batches and I love it. Great review to see them side by side.

[@the_snicklefritz]

If you could only find one? Personally C920 my pick. So good looks

[@mikecossette6420]

I picked it up this weekend. I would never use words like 'disappointed' or 'thin' to describe A121, just not as close to perfect. The neck pour didn't compare to my open B520, but I don't think the neck pour of B520 did either. The fruit I got was dark caramel apple and raisin. I missed any hint of strawberry, and definitely not the rich, nuanced dark oak that 520 delivers. I'm certainly glad it lacks the hard-hitting nut & oak that B519 brought. An easy B/B+ on the neck pour, and I think it will open up quite nicely.

[@TimSnead223]

I picked a bottle of this up on Friday. A friend recommended it to me and even used his employee discount for me. Paid $55 and some change. I was really impressed with it.

[@gman5986]

Wow.....Where did you buy for that price. I cannot find it.........Cheers!

[@TimSnead223]

@@gman5986 I just popped in the local liquor store where my friend works. I was checking out their Irish whiskeys and he told me to get the EC instead. I’m glad he did. He let me get his employee discount which is why I got it for so cheap.

[@gman5986]

@@TimSnead223 Thats awesome Tim. That store wouldn't happen to be in southern California would it?

[@TimSnead223]

@@gman5986 no sir, unfortunately not. I live in Charleston, West Virginia. The selections here aren’t that great either lol.

[@gman5986]

@@TimSnead223 Thanks Tim. I figured it was worth asking even though a longshot!

[@cartermayfield]

I stocked up on C919, A120, B520, and C920. I stacked them up blind and I liked each release better than the previous one. I guess they couldn't keep that up forever. What was surprising was how much I liked C919 and yet it tasted muted compared to every 2020 release. I am probably not going to stock up on this release as much... which is not a dig. I will still try to get 2 or 3 bottles. Thanks for the review... it lines up with what I have been hearing.

[@davereitzel9528]

My first ECBP I have purchased. Looking forward to cracking it.

[@michaelmango8524]

Just picked up a B518, pretty stoked went looking for the 21’s to a few stores couldn’t find it and then scored the 18, still 3 more on the shelf. Can’t wait to crack it open.

[@Will_Henderson]

It’s a great batch for sure. I prefer the C920 but I really like the fruit notes on the A121. Great review!

[@photosbyfry]

Great Video I just bought a C920 and now I am so spoiled. This appears A121 is a little bit of a surprise at the proof drop and fruit forward.

[@juliussharrock8943]

Loved the B520 - my first bottle of Elijah Barrel!

[@LP23D6]

Big peanut, dark fruit. Nice sip! I would like to try the B520.

[@2TEN90]

We just reviewed the A121 last night and also compared it to the B520 and really get the same results as you. Was interesting to see the different flavor profile between the two. As always awesome review. Cheers!

[@joepastrana7287]

Jason your B-Roll is 2nd to none! You had my 16 month old daughter dancing to the beat! Lol I’m still waiting for the C920 to hit my area. Can’t wait to try them both 👍🏼 Cheers 🥃

[@victorsommo1822]

Usually A batch is the hottest, B more of the HH nuttiness and C dark fruit/chocolate. Lets see how B521 comes in. As usual Jason great review!

[@sundayeveningscotch4978]

Jason's B Roll always makes me so damn thirsty..... Good review. Being ECBP, I'll snag one if I find it. The fruit forwardness is intriguing. It's gonna be hard for them to top B520 this year. That was such a great batch. I never did have the C920.

[@100puremustard5]

Excellent review with a solid breakdown! Not sure when this will drop in NorCal. The C920 dropped only last month. I already passed on the Larceny A121, I might pass on this one too since I have 2 bottles each of B520 and C920 bunkered! Awesome b-roll on this one too, Cheers!

[@jeanneanr]

100% agree with everything you said. Not bad by any means, but for me, it's my least favorite batch since B519. That peanut was really strong in this. My favorite ECBP is still Batch 11@139.4. That said, my bottle is half empty and there's one more waiting in the wings. Totally the best bang for the buck bourbon in today's market. As always, great review!

[@richflinchbaugh1271]

I just bought the A121 and really like it so, if the B520 and C920 were better, I would love to taste them.

[@amealor63]

Picked mine up on Saturday. So pumped to enjoy this weekend.

[@kentuckyhills454]

Just walked into my grocery and they had about 10 bottles. $59.99 each with no limit. Buy one, leave one for the next guy. 🥃🤘💚 looking forward to cracking this one open

[@bourbondave4438]

Completely agree. It’s a damn good bourbon. It just doesn’t quiet have the depth of the other ones from last year. Still happy to pour it in my glass.

[@gman5986]

Thanks Jason for a great review and comparison of ECBP's.............Cheers!

[@GPosner8]

Love, love, love ECBP. Thanks for another great review Jason. Great to see your subscriber number growing all the time👏🏻👍🥃🥃

[@mikec5018]

Still kickin myself for not buying the C920 last fall.....however did get my first ECBP.....the A121 before reviews not long ago....found several different ECBP's (B520, C920 and A121) in Brunswick, GA recently @ JP's but they wanted $110 !

[@williamleidy6713]

B520 is amazing . I think I will wait for B and C this year.

[@WhiskeyTornado]

Just dropped my review on this today and agree on so many points! I blinded it against A120 and C920 and while good it doesn’t compare to any of the 2020 releases. Cheers man and great review!

[@andys1857]

Still haven't seen this in VA.

[@pauldavis9303]

Just picked one up at Giant Eagle on Sawmill last Saturday. Missed Col EHT but got this sweet ECBP. Nice review.

[@ryandeleon222]

I respectfully disagree on the mouthfeel and don't think it suffered at all with the lower proof. I really enjoyed this one.

[@erikevenson4303]

just saw this in store and now i see a review; good timing bro.

[@andrewschilf9167]

I don't understand the c920 hype. I've been drinking these for 7 years and that one stood out as a poor batch for me. C918, b519, and b520 stand out since they started labeling the batches with codes. A121 is very solid I think you're understating it. Everyone jumped I the "c920 is awesome" narrative just like stagg jr batch 12

[@synyzal772]

I have C920 and A121. Found myself really enjoying the lower proof on the A121 as someone who's only gotten into barrel proofs and cask strengths this year. I've seen two reviews mention peanuts and I'm just not getting it. Caramel, fruits, wood but no peanuts.

[@TheMashandDrum]

The fruit has definitely taken over the peanut.

[@ryandeleon222]

I didn't get peanut at all either.

[@markknister6272]

Thank you. Almost picked it today. Hopefully it will be there next trip.

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Dont wait Mark...its going fast....if you can score a bottle at list, its a worthwile purchase!

[@stevenkochendorfer2759]

I always appreciate your reviews Jason. I have an affinity for EC and look forward to your opinions on their line. Cheers.

[@mttech1995]

B520... crazy fricken good!! So wish I would have bunkered a bottle or two... 🥴

[@alphonseippolito7173]

Looking forward to the Redbreast review!

[@ejbsee6081]

My bottle of B520 was finished in 3 months with the help of just a few others. Still found in walking distance, but priced at $119. Still a few open bottles to finish before I get to ECTB for my bottle pop

[@roguedelarue4958]

I have not seen C920 in stores and now I have not seen A121. If you have found it congrats! Just glad I have two bottles of B520.

[@stevenbelanger7540]

Good job Jason, you’re the man, I like your Minnick collabs too!

[@bigdave2952]

I finally got this bottle a couple of weeks ago, it is my first A batch ever. I really enjoyed this bottle, not as much as C920 but still damn good.

[@khalifa41lopez]

I just tried this with you and I definitely agree, a121 is good but for me but its hard to beat the mouth feel of B and C of last year, all of them are good tho cheers!

[@ajttambo]

Is this a better option for $69.99?

[@JacobDH87]

Just picked up the A21 for $75. I really like it. Very nutty for sure. I wish the ECBP bottles were easier to come by. Honestly I'd have a hard time paying over $80 for it. Then again I've paid around that for plenty of 12 year old scotch at lower strength.

[@ibsexplosion4178]

Nice to see a ECBP under 130 proof. Many times the ultra high octane barrel proofs130+ are too alcohol forward.

[@mojo88bassandbourbon72]

Easier drinking barrel proofs trending this year def

[@ChuckItUp]

Store I go to just got in a new shipment of barrel proof but when they opened it, it was C920 so I grabbed one with the last toasted barrel they had haha. Good thing I was able to grab C920

[@lorenwegele7517]

Yay! Watching cigar reviews and a Mash and Drum video! That's quality educational entertainment right there! 😊👍👍

[@J167_v]

I tend to gravitate towards batch C because to me, Batch A and B have been okay in comparison to Batch C. I'm going to change that this year and try batch A again

[@DMBVR4]

I have two B520, three C920, and two A121... im a huge fan of fruity bourbons so i think it sounds great!! I'll have to finish my A119 before deciding what bottle to head to next.

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Wish my local spirit store had as fresh of music as that intro playing when I walk in, I’d probably spend more 😆 Love my B520, but I’ll still keep my eye out for this one can’t lie

[@the_snicklefritz]

Your reaction to the C920 is me every time i pour a dram lol So effing good!!

[@joefair4139]

I completely agree, the A121 is not as good as the B520 and the C920 but is still delicious and a bargain for a 12 year bourbon. Cheers!

[@docscout]

Thin at 123.6?

[@lamar4234]

Great review as always man! Still looking for one in upstate ny!

[@M4dg04t]

I snagged a B520 but missed out on the C920. I'm happy as well to see a slightly lower proof release. I love a high octane release as much as the next guy but sometimes I don't want to be punched in the face as hard as normal.

[@shawnhudson9482]

Just picked it up today. I was surprised at the lower proof also

[@czrs85]

Great video. I know your not a rum guy but have you ever tried the balcones texas rum ?

[@simartin4606]

Definitely gonna pick it up, interested in the caramel apple note b/c I picked that up on EHTBP 2020

[@BretSimmons]

Haven't been able to find this one yet, but I've never had a batch I didn't like. Strongly agree this is the best value in bourbon. Last month I paid from $60 to $80 for bottles of B520.

[@Tejas-Diablo]

Glad to see the train displayed. That's showing Fred, Own it :)

[@Shogun-C]

Retails at around £110 in the UK, would you still recommend it at that price point?

[@adamseaman7306]

Great description of C920. I also wasn’t a fan of the A121 compared to the last two releases. Still an amazing value and auto have on the shelf.

[@southernoffroader78]

It's been 2 years and I still have never seen any ECBP in North Central Florida. I found a bottle a year ago in Clewiston, Fl for $130. I laughed in the face of the store owner.

[@jacobsrocco]

Nice camera work. Do you do all the filming yourself. Great review and quality content cheers

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yes i do. Appreciate the comments. Gotten better with filming over the last couple years.

[@jacobsrocco]

@@TheMashandDrum appreciate a honast review and all the great videos keep it up man

[@jacobsrocco]

@@TheMashandDrum i have a b517 im yet to crack cant wait to see how that ranks

[@robertshay9235]

I’d pick one up if I could actually find one!!! Haha I like the lower proof will be more enjoyable to me. Another great video!! Thanks!!

[@blainekelley816]

A121 is very good. Just had it last evening. Yes, the nose is more fruity than earlier releases. I prefer B520 (one of my all-time favorites) because of the fullness of flavors and long finish. I personally would avoid C920 (mine had strange astringent metallic aftertaste). Shared B520 with my nephew 2 nights ago, who has multiple bottles of A120 (which he really likes). I didn't have that back-to-back with the B520 so far, but look forward to doing so soon.

[@stevenlharris]

On my third bottle of this release. My favorite of the last few years

[@terrylorenz6673]

Might be interesting to try a blend of the C920 and A121 for fun.🥃

[@donnyengell8470]

Hoping to find the B520 soon!

[@ericanderson2258]

Have you tried a Triticale whiskey, and what do you think of the rye/wheat hybrid?

[@35057]

ECBP might be getting hard to find here…but that burnt creme brûlée is a knockout. 💯💯🥃

[@davidmcelroy5075]

Just as FYI, the Msrp, at least in Ohio, is now $69.99 + taxes and fees. That equals an out the door price of around $75.00 now.

[@tldhthompson]

A120 was my bourbon of the year last year. C920 was second and B also in my top 5. Did you not care much for A? I thought it was spectacular. Glad I got a backup.

[@TheMashandDrum]

The A for me was very alcohol forward and didn't have the flavor of the other 2.

[@davidlewisTN]

One of my faves from Heaven Hill.

[@jeckwhite9099]

I need to grab one! Do my own comparison. It sounds quite good. But it seems to not be the bell at the barrel proof ball.

[@anthonystaggs6239]

The one this year is looking like the Russel's 13 year BP

[@gman5986]

Jason are you gassing your whisky collection after so many months open so they don't "Go Flat" ? If so when do you start gassing.....3,6, or 12 months after being opened?

[@mojo88bassandbourbon72]

I got a case of these great HH wood dark cherry Red apple a touch of tobacco and a soft long finish i love it

[@TheMashandDrum]

Definitely get that red apple and cherry

[@mojo88bassandbourbon72]

Halfway through its insane i drank almost half bottle in one night very drinkable to me almost like JD 2020 rye was for such high proof

[@mojo88bassandbourbon72]

I think softer drinking barrel proofs and Toasted barrels will be a huge trend in 2021

[@redskins1120]

I can’t find this one!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

ECBP: Up until this year, this was one "hard to find" or "allocated" bourbon that was under the radar jussst enough that it would remain in the "special glass case" of local liquor stores for enough time to find a bottle or two. Not so anymore. The fact that it shows up on pretty much EVERYBODYS year-end best-of lists (mine for sure), means its headed into unicorn territory. It hit stores and dissapeared same day for all local retails here. If y'all see a bottle for list...SNAG IT! Agreed that it IS the best value in bourbon.

[@CohibaJoe]

Easy Pass for me...EC Barrel Proof should have that coating on the palate which would make it a Home Run.

[@lasfuentesfinest]

so jealous, wish i could experience the us bourbon revolution but here in Spain, there aren't many available...any european websites that carry craft bourbon?

[@keithentwistle7376]

Local store has alot of C920 for $59. I buy 2 bottles a month.

[@mackal]

Should have blended them all at the end.

[@ethanvancamp2144]

Grabbed one a couple weeks ago, and to be honest, was very underwhelmed with the A121... After the two batches last year, it was a bit of let down for me personally.

[@brentanderson7968]

Hey Jason, if you had a choice of EC A121 or EC C919 for the same price, which one would you buy?

[@TheMashandDrum]

The C919

[@brentanderson7968]

@@TheMashandDrum Thanks, man. I've asked on the live chat tonight with ADHD and Drew P and was getting the same response. I'll pull the trigger tomorrow and get me some C919 in this one-horse town. Thanks for the well-in detail whiskey reviews that you must put so much time and effort into. It shows that you love what you do for the whiskey world. Just one question, when are ya gonna own yer own distillery?

[@jeffreyrollins3915]

ECBP is now around 120-150 here in California sucks

[@steelwarrior105]

A121 is amazingly easy on the nose

[@bgj2940]

Well finally got to try the A121... And this is an atypical batch for me. I normally get almonds and not peanuts off of HH juice..... But this is major peanut... It's like they sourced this form Beam (obviously they didn't) but in a blind I would say it was older Beam Juice. Not a fan of this one. C919 and C918 still reign supreme.

[@the_snicklefritz]

Have seen ECBP anywhere from $62-$90. I bought a case of the C920 in December at $62, just went back into that store for the first time since, they raised the price to $90. Still worth it, but guess I'm part of the problem (Verbal meme: Homer simpson fades into bushes)

[@topshelfwhisky]

My local Kroger got three cases (36) Thursday and all gone by 5:15. 🥲

[@TheMashandDrum]

Damn!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Yea, i think whats happening is the bourbon fans have grown a TON in the last year and alot of folks are crowdsourcing tips...IE: facebooks groups...so when something hot hits, such as at your Kroger, folks find out about it QUICK and head out.

[@theitalian556]

Maybe the A121 needs a little time to open up. To me the A121 was like cracker jacks. Great review!