Elijah Craig B521 Review! 118.2 Proof?! Does the lowest proof ever mean this is a miss?

[@philc1884]

Nice going Jason. The Rare Breed really kicks ass. The mouth feel is crazy.

[@lisettef7947]

I love my EC B520 but Rare Breed I could have for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snack. Lol

[@jdsboomin529]

I just bought a new bottle of rare breed and think the profile is a little off. Seems like its missing the vanilla and that spiced orange that I usually get. Been drinking rare breed faithfully for a couple years but I think the quality has gone down my last couple bottles. My Russels Reserve SiBs have been blowing them away lately which is well no pun intended rare lol. Anyone else notice this 🤔

[@sitori663]

LOL!! I've recently fallen in bourbon love w Rare Breed myself. ECBP is still my favorite in general, but Rare Breed is delicious and only $45. ❤

[@justinninke6405]

Jay-C, really appreciate your honesty on this bottle, was sipping mine wondering if I were crazy for being disappointed and saw Matt from ADHD Whiskey take the high road on this. I enjoy that channel as well but mostly for entertainment only, where this channel is for entertainment, knowledge and reviews I TRUST. Thanks for keeping it real and saying what you think, had I had the opportunity to taste this before purchasing, would not have purchased.

[@TheMrChaddles]

I agree, not that I don’t watch bourbon junkies, but it’s becoming more “joke-y-ish”? as where Jason keeps it real.

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Thanks J! Can’t get any ECBP here in 🇨🇦, but acquired a bottle of the B520 in a pretty fair trade. Looking forward to cracking it!

[@jbreamsiii]

Jason, I found a bottle of the B521 this morning when looking for some other stuff. I decided to pull the trigger. We usually are right on the same thoughts taste wise. But I’m going to differ with you on this one. Now granted I didn’t have any of the earlier batches, but this one to me tastes superb. The finish is hanging around and gives a big KY Hug. I really like it. Now is it worth $30-40 more than the 1920 or RB, debatable. Now if I could only find some RR13………. But it’s always good to try something new. Appreciate everything you do.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Oh there's nothing wrong with it. If you had tried the previous batches you would see why I wasn't so high on it. But it does drink nice and is a great solid pour.

[@lilannalucey]

This was my first EJBP and I definitely liked it. I do have a sample of B520 that I'm saving until I get the C921 so I can blind them all together. Another great honest review.

[@foodandbourbon7737]

I regret not buying a back up of the C920. So far my favorite ECBP!

[@bigdog6600]

Where's my Whiskey Barrel Time Machine?!

[@carlomorales9348]

Haven't yet had C920, and I see it on secondary for $100. Worth it to you?

[@foodandbourbon7737]

💯

[@joepastrana7287]

I totally agree Jason with your word Wonky. I’mon my 2nd bottle of A121 n picked up a B121 several weeks ago and have yet seen a bottle of C920 in my area! “WONKY” Excellent review brother, keep’em coming Cheers! 🥃

[@Josh-ro5tf]

It's good! I would never pass on this. A 12 year bourbon at 59% for $70-80. Great value and amazing taste. Not as good as the last 2 batches but it's still another hitter. Yes A121 and C920 are different/better but this is the typical ECBP flavor profile and I appreciate it being a bit different (lower proof) than the usual.

[@TheUMIA]

I bought this and let it open up a bit after 2 weeks. I thought it tasted a little better than the initial pour. For $65, It's still solid IMO.

[@fredfebbriello023]

Great vid, Jason -- as always!! I am still a bourbon NOOB and don't have a refined palate. But I totally enjoyed A121 (to the tune of three bottles). B521 is clearly not as robust as previous batches (I also have B520) but I still find it enjoyable albeit more oaky. Here in CT, I can find ECBPs all over and agree to not have to pay more than SRP. Thanks, again, Jason. Good luck on getting to 50K!!!!

[@HamTurkey]

Really appreciate the comparisons. Thanks for the vid!

[@arch007er]

This was one my first barrel proof from them and I really liked it. . .now it seems like I need to try the others

[@jimifenway]

100% agree, you nailed it with this review, so bummed about B521

[@whiskeywithe7907]

65 for barrel proof would be awsome,here in australia..the small batch is 80ish hence why i just go for the rare breed. .since its available at 84-90 here in aus .hence why im just a wild turkey fan cause its the only barrel proof bourbon thats widley available.would love 2 try ECBP some day..if i can ever find one lol.cheers mate love your work

[@craighoagland3623]

Yeah I love your analogy, like the taste going by as fast as a Ferrari. Good taste and you wonder what it was and then boom it's gone like the sonic boom. Nice

[@Gachain]

LOVE the detailed review, Jason!!

[@normsimonton3163]

Jason I really love your channel bc you give everything history and I love how you taste it you’re one of the channels that I watch to see if I want to buy something or what to hunt. Thanks for doing what you do and for all the work you put into every episode

[@ghantakha5568]

Great video ! Glad that i still have half bottle of B519 and full bottle of A119 . Thanks for saving my money . cheers🥃

[@shooterxix4434]

Just picked up 2 bottles of this and I 100% agree with ur review. The flavors do fly by. It's not terrible but not great either. A121 is much better then this release.

[@marknorris6544]

Keep on geekin out. I love what you bring to the table. It's why I subscribed. I learned a lot from your channel. Thank you!

[@georgesteckert6334]

I was able to pick up a bottle of this back in May. Like you, I was kind of, “eh”. For whatever reason I poured some tonight and really enjoyed it. On my third glass and still enjoying. Don’t know if what I had to eat for dinner had any effect. It sometimes does. Maybe a couple month’s exposure to air did something positive. Also, my brother lives in Michigan and swears the regular Elijah Craig is not as old and is lighter in color. I haven’t noticed that here in Pennsylvania yet, but I’m keeping my eye on it.

[@gabrielluongo6363]

Thanks! Great to get comparisons too all in one video. At halfway my A121 has really improved- even if it’s not C919!

[@snegrn]

Saw an A121 available at my local liquor store, but passed since I already have one to get B521. Based on majority reviews for this batch though, I guess I'm going to get that instead. Thanks for your honest thoughts. Much appreciated as always.

[@bigdog6600]

Yes! That! Do that!

[@fafnir187]

Great vid. I still enjoyed my B521 but love the comparison round!

[@PalParkTigers]

Good stuff, I like the honesty. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say everything changed after C919. To me C919 was the last true “banger” unfortunately

[@daver7178]

C919 is my favorite bottle that I've found in 2 years of hunting. Still have 1 bunkered but would love to find some more!

[@PalParkTigers]

@@daver7178 got 2 bunkered, we think alike! Lol I feel like the quality won’t be as good as more people enter this hobby

[@daver7178]

@@PalParkTigers Ha 1 bunkered and 1 being nursed here. Hope you're wrong but we will see! Regardless I'll buy at least 1 of any batch if I haven't tried it, they are pretty uncommon around me and I love ECBP.

[@topshelfwhisky]

This is my favorite bourbon under $100 and I've collected them for a couple years now. Disappointing this one doesn't live up to earlier batches but I'll still buy one or two... cheers buddy.

[@ThreeToesofFury]

PHEW...i needed this video...ive literally given up pretty much ALL hunting based on how insane the hunters are in the chicago area....that being said i still do some searching for ECBP because its sorta findable if you are close to drop day...based on your comments (and freds) i will not search crazy hard for it.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I was on Drums & Drams last night and this bottle was a topic of discussion. Hopefully next year’s releases will be an improvement.

[@krishnar3493]

Excellent review, Jason. Rare breed is a champion.

[@themaltedmancave9499]

Great review Jason! I just bought two of these on vacation in Savannah, Georgia because I can’t really find these in the springfield-dayton area…..but yeah I like it and i’m still glad I bought them but it’s not quite as great as usual. Cheers buddy!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah still solid. Just lacking the flavor punch. Hope your good man.

[@BlackBourbonFamily]

We love the ECBP B519 and A121. Not sure if we'll search for this one. Great review and comparisons. Cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks guys!

[@BourbonJudge]

Jason… good stuff my man. Great insight into the B521. Cheers

[@jimlemke3658]

Now I feel old 😂. I had a 4 door Chevy Nova with a 350. Wasn't pretty, but boy did that car haul ass when I needed it to. Thanks for the review.

[@hdfiuhl]

Greetings from Czech republic. This is so rare to have a chance to even buy this here, though guess on the other hand, we have more Scotches available here. Bought ECBP B517, and seems now no chance to buy any other, though hope B517 is the strong one, though have not opened it yet and probably will keep, as Rare Breed is way more available here and way cheaper.

[@jeromeschmidt7805]

Bummer, but glad we have you and everyone commenting to save us from picking up a bad bottle. I'll probably skip this one. C'mon C batch!

[@Danish_Guy_77]

I'm normally a single cask, Cask Strength kind a guy, and scotch are my favorite, but have had a lot of bourbon & Rye, T Stagg, michter's Rye barrel strength and so on, but low proof.... 118 to 125 so 7 proof = 3.5% alcohol difference, anything close to 60% or above are normally awesome to me, my view of high proof or watered down don't differ 7 proff, but more in the ballpark above 55% or below 50% So 59% or 62.5% well to call the 59 low... 😉 🥃 But great review as always, greetings from Scandinavia, cheers

[@javirios9234]

Great review Jason! I'm thinking on skipping this one. Between your review and Fred's that's enough for me. Thank you as always!🤙 BTW, just joined your patreon.🙂

[@alexmartin6543]

Appreciate the channel Jason

[@TheBourbonVan]

We were very interested to hear your thoughts on this one. Thanks for sharing. Now, let's hear more about your grandfather's Chevy!

[@sundayeveningscotch4978]

Great video man. Sounds like a step down, that's too bad. Rare Breed is killin' it per usual!

[@hikinginidaho]

Finally got one of these in Idaho. I actually really enjoy it....but yeah Rare Breed or Jack Daniels BP are as good at a lower price point. I was getting more cherry on this B521 on just my second pour. I missed out on A121...sad about that.

[@TheHeadman]

Great review 👍 I totally agree ... the B521 isn’t horrible or undrinkable as some reviews hinted to... It’s not a flavor bomb or going to blow anyone’s mind but it’s decent. Disappointing for sure because we hope for a killer bottle from ECBP each release. I’m guessing C will be this years bomb 👍 O H

[@aedavela]

Thanks, Jason! Only wish you'd put in the A120 in the nix to compare. Our distribution here in middle TN for ECBP is wonky too. We usually get the latest batch about two months behind the release. But in my town I can find A121 and A120 for around 80 to 90 each. So weird.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Right? So wonky. Lol.

[@jlb9074]

Grab the A120! It’s delicious. I wish I could find one in FL.

[@christinedaisy594]

Thanks for a great review, Jason. I guess they can’t all be hitters, unfortunately. 🥃🙂

[@christopherm.2413]

I was so looking forward to finally getting my hands on my first ECBP but after three disappointing reviews, I'll wait for C921 and hope for the best.

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Don’t be a peasant. It’s only $60-90 bucks. Buy every single one

[@soluschristus8814]

Jason...I love your channel. Thanks for all the time and effort. Did you get a new camera?

[@bryonfaber4392]

Just grabbed the b520👍👍looking forward to the Russell 13

[@nicksinderson3302]

I'll be buying. Sure maybe it won't compare well to the $200.00 bottles as it often has but if it compares well to the other $50-$80 bottles, l'll be happy. I really like the A121 and with the luke warm reviews it recieved the availability in my neck of woods shot up making me a happy sipper.

[@beginningbourbon7385]

I think I’m just gonna buy 2-4 of the “C Batches” and pass on the “A” and “B’s”. C919 and C920 sipped like $125+ bottles.

[@craighoagland3623]

Yeah I had this one and it's good, I thought, but I believe there is better and that's where you come in. Which do you recommend with the consistency and great punch? When you get a chance let me know, thanks.

[@samuelsunn2011]

Reminds me a lot of McKenna BIB. I enjoy it. Def not the best batch but very enjoyable. Great review as always.

[@johncannon3593]

C919 is the one that hooked me, but my favorite so far was C920. Liked A120, Loved B520, Really like A121.

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Love my B520, love my old Ezra, love my rare breed damn that’s a solid flight. Taste is subjective but msrp every single one of those bottles are worth it in my opinion. Secondary ehhh, you’d have to want it pretty bad. Not this guy. Thanks Jason cheers 🥃

[@gregsmith5132]

I have seen the barrel proof mixed in with small batch at my local grocery store. I'm wondering if the "wonky" availability is because the clerks/stockers can't really tell the difference between them in the storage rooms.

[@35057]

Well after finishing my allotted 3oz, I’ll have to agree the flavor does fall off but dare I say finishes clean and creamy (giggity?) and yeah I’ll agree that the flavor passes quickly.

[@Tantrum777]

Another great honest review! I bet this years C921 is going to be killer!

[@WhiskeyTornado]

Great review man! That was a lot of barrel proof sips. Hope you didn’t shoot this one early in the day 😜😂 Also, can’t wait for you to hit 50k subs! You absolutely deserve it! I appreciate the research, editing skills, and how you’ve helped the smaller channels. That 50k subs represents a crap ton of work and passion! Cheers brother!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks man! Hope to get their soon! Need to crack open my wild turkey American spirit in celebration

[@synyzal772]

I'm pretty new to barrel proofs and I mostly keep Scotch but if I see any ECBP at my local store I grab one. Started with C920 so it may have spoiled me but even being the lowest proof release to date, the B521 at 118.2 is higher than most of my collection. Unfortunately my local store upped the price of ECBP from $65 to $75 starting with A121. I think I agree, at $65 I'd be plenty happy with B521 but I'm not sure I feel like I got my $75 worth. We'll see how I feel trying it alone though... comparing it with A121 and especially C920 in the same sitting may have buried its chances to shine.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

“Hey Siri, set a reminder to buy more Rare Breed.” 😂 Been waiting for this review. We like A121 a lot more than most folks but based on the experiences of so many folks on this ECBP batch we’re thinking it’s a hard pass.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah it's not bad. It just comes off flat compared to other batches unfortunately. Still solid.

[@spforevr11]

A121 is a real hitter for me. i put it side-by-side against my C919 and actually like the A121 more. I was surprised seeing so many lukewarm reviews from it

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@spforevr11 A121 is damn good. The problem is it came after B and C 20s which were stellar batches

[@TheMrChaddles]

@@TheMashandDrum bingo

[@netnothing]

Thankfully everyone is hating on this, as I really enjoy it. Makes it easier to find. Still better than half the other crap on the shelves.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I agree. Still solid but just not as good compared to recent releases.

[@netnothing]

@@TheMashandDrum Yup! Sadly the releases this year are following some hitters. C920 probably one of my favorites. I view B521 as different, but really good still. The 118 proof though does make this release a dangerous sipper! I also get almost no burn. I do find it funny how so many people just say "yup, skipping it" - without trying it themselves. CRAZY! I'll buy anything once ;-)

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@netnothing yeah there will still be a market for this one. But for folks who are looking for something compared to the recent hitters it's not there. But yes..it gets dangerous after a few sips. Lol.

[@ryanangell3]

@@TheMashandDrum I brush my teeth with B521!

[@ChristopherOSU]

This batch is the first that I've ever been able to get - I wonder how it compares to the 2019 Stagg Jr?

[@whiskyobsessed953]

Thanks for saving me $70! I would have liked to see you compare this vs another ECBP with water to get a closer proof comparison. Proof can dominate the experience so much. Cheers 🥃

[@ragnavald_7985]

1 Sip 2 Sip 3 Sip NO Simp Thanks Jason for giving a straight take and not practicing brand apologetics here. And thanks for attempting the water 😉 Jason is a man of the People and he listens.

[@35057]

New bourbon guy here… sub’d!! 🥃🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks man!!

[@ImCastorTroy45]

C918 is still king. Thanks for the review.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yes it is!

[@aubsta1]

The B521 is unpopular, and perhaps off-profile, but I enjoy it quite a bit. It also pairs exceptionally well with a good cigar.

[@davidwilson3093]

Where do you find this stuff? Been looking for it in 4 different states. Nowhere to be found except in a secondary market at $110.00 per bottle.

[@jasono.1629]

$110 is kinda high but it’s not that high for it honestly. Here in Southern CA it’s from $70-$90 at most places if you don’t belong to Costco or some other membership only supermarket.

[@trevorkunkle6073]

so your saying the mash and journey ecbp pick is alot better then b521! I am excited for it!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Oh hell yeah

[@michaeltabor4176]

This is kind of disappointing because for the past few years the B batches have been some of my favorites. How do you think the B521 would compare to the 115 proof OF1920?

[@dominiccummings1893]

Well you don't really see ECBP in the UK, but Master of Malt's most recent bottling they stocked was C918 and they sold it for $162. So yeah, $65 seems like a bargain!

[@PinkTorpedo909]

My personal favorite is the C919. Second is the B520. C920 is fantastic after adding water and letting it sit for a few minutes. B521 is ok, just opened it

[@dennisrogers4665]

I know it’s not apples to apples, but do you find this as simple and indistinct as the Remus Repeal batch 2?

[@TheMashandDrum]

I mean it could be along the same lines. Haven't had 2 in a while though.

[@69CamaroSS]

WHO goes through the trouble of locating and extra expense of purchasing a BARREL PROOF and doesn’t want “proof punch”!?!?!? When I pour a barrel proof, give me 130+ and kick my teeth down my throat….I’ll GLADLY relish in that for the additional flavor that it brings!!!! *STAGG JR, WTF ARE YOU THIS YEAR!?!?!?!?* Can’t find a batch 15 or 16 to save my damn life here in SC!! 🤬🤷‍♂️😢🤬😢🤬😢🤬🤬

[@BossHossStudios]

Bought two bottles at $79 here in north Louisiana. Hard to find any allocations here

[@nicksinderson3302]

I'm sipping the b521 presently, on my second bottle in the last 2 months. Waaay better then the old Ezra...same bourbon 5 years older & $10 more, better than the rare breed but not waaay. The older batches; l'll never see those again so who cares. $70.00 in my neck of the woods and l would buy this all day at this price. In my humble opinion better than anything else at this price point even Old Forester 1920.

[@blackice3395]

Instrumental beat rocks!

[@kinesjl]

Really surprised by this as ECBP is usually so consistent. Whlle I'm well aware of how much climate and rickhouse location impact proof strength, that alone still does not the diminished flavor. For example Rare Breed at 116.8 and Old Forester 1920 at 115 proof are remarkably full flavored. Do you think Heaven Hill is intentionally simplifying the flavor profile in an ill-fated attempt to broaden appeal? Or do you think this just a suboptimal batch?

[@TheMashandDrum]

I think it's just a suboptimal batch. Will see what happens with the C21.

[@doogiepwr]

This bottle is close to terrible. I tried, but couldn't at all fool myself into to thinking it was decent. Wasn't a huge fan of A121, but it seems great next to this. Last year set the bar high for ECBP and in 21 they are Limboing right under it.

[@BSims-MD410]

Thx for saving me some $, appreciate your insight

[@Joel_Unbound]

B521 is a giant alcoholic smore with a burnt marshmallow, and I love it. It took a couple weeks for it to shine. Don't let this review scare you away.

[@Sound_Groove_of_America]

Its awesome!!!

[@coleboozer4032]

Considering my favorites are in te 130 proof range, im a little skeptical on this batch

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah you would be disappointed in this one

[@coleboozer4032]

@@TheMashandDrum I'll probably get a bottle to complete my set and experiment, but yeah I find that I like the 130+ proofs. They're hot, but that forces me to take it slow and enjoy them. Plus when you get to half a bottle and it breaths more, it just stays consistently complex and delicous all the way down to the last pour in the bottle.

[@alexmartin6543]

Hate to sound cliche, outside of super high proof, OF 1920 and Rare Breed hit so nice.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

B521 by far isn't a stinker, but for about $30 cheaper 1920 you get a solid, very comparable if not barely better product, and Rare Breed is a little further behind EC B521 only bc it lacks complexity, but definitely not a disappointment. Rare Breed is easily the most crushable of the three. All in all, it's a good "ok friend", "just looking for a decent sip", or "just missed that bonus" pour.

[@jasond.8526]

Jason is that a Bardstown Phifer Pavitt you are pimping on the barrel?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yup. Love that stuff

[@EricJones-cv1ur]

I'm on the fence with this one

[@willrush7670]

It seems that Heaven Hill is a bit lost without Parker Beam at the helm. The Toasted Barrel was a miss for me. Larceny BP and the new EC Rye are not as good as they should be and now ECBP batches are dropping in proof (flavor).

[@ericmorris9660]

So...you’re saying it’s a good thing I still have a B520 bottle in the seal? 😉

[@ttiger9780]

I hate this for Heaven Hill and ECBP (I have loved most of my ECBP's). Maybe this is what takes to calm down the search, and make this more available and keep the price down.

[@xavierperez9725]

Thank you for the good honest review. Will skip this one.

[@arthurdostaler4865]

Found this to be very similar to the old forester 1920 maybe a little oakier

[@taylorj9294]

I actually really liked this bottle and don’t really like the last few batches that have come out. 🤷‍♂️

[@kane6106]

This one was a miss for me. I'm not even sure I can finish this bottle. I may end up having to mix this one to get it gone.

[@jasono.1629]

Hmm both A121 and B121 are some of the lowest proof offerings to date for ECBP. Hope this isn’t the start of a trend, with all the best most flavorful batches behind us. I’ll still buy this one to judge it myself since there’s so much decisiveness surrounding it.

[@MathewSchaffer]

Yeah, pretty disappointing bottle, especially since the last 3 are some of my favorite bourbons in my cabinet. I made sure to get backup bottles of the last 3, but won't be doing that with this one. Hope the C batch is better.

[@poopsicle45]

dammit. yeah b521 is oak city. Ugh. Disappointing cause I like a low-proofer. just compared c919 and the c919 is another tier. :(

[@rossmantarver]

Big sad face emoji on this one. Especially when my first experience of ECBP was c920 😥

[@tsubakichan]

Paid a little of a premium for my first ECBP (C920 @$80). Waiting for a special occasion to pop it!

[@TheHeadman]

@@tsubakichan it’s great stuff

[@Sound_Groove_of_America]

@@tsubakichan just drink it

[@Sound_Groove_of_America]

@@tsubakichan every now and then 😉

[@hazenjonas]

I’m vaguely convinced that all the WhiskeyTubers got together and agreed to give this batch bad reviews so that they could bunker more of it for themselves :)

[@TheMashandDrum]

Hahaha. Good theory for future releases.

[@juliussharrock8943]

Epic 👌🏼

[@jeffbuttemer769]

What are your favorite ECBP batches over the last few years?

[@drewambler1235]

B520 although I didn't get to try the 19 group

[@TheMashandDrum]

B520, C920, C919...C918 is my favorite.

[@tommyplandscape8624]

No Kentucky Hug Bummer