Peppery oak | Cigar box | Raisin | Baking spices | Robust

Heavily charred oak | Baking spices | Tobacco | Graham cracker | Caramel

Baking spices | Caramel chews | Aged oak | Long

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof was introduced in 2013 and is released on an allocated basis three times per year: January, May, and September. Each release features a different proof and up until 2023, consisted of bourbon aged at least 12 years. In mid-2023, Heaven Hill announced that they would remove Elijah Craig Barrel Proof’s 12 year age statement and instead now include an age statement that will vary per release.

Batch B524 is the second batch of 2024, and the fourth batch that does not carry the previous generic 12 year age statement, instead dialing directly into the batch exact age detailed down to the month. Previous specifically age stated batches were aged for 11 years and 5 months, 13 years and 7 months, and 10 years and 9 months, making the average age over the four specifically age stated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches released so far approximately 11 years and 9 months, just shy of the 12 year mark. Fans might wonder if this signals an overall downward trend in age, or if there just aren’t enough data points yet. Looking at 2023’s releases, it wouldn’t be surprising if the last batch of 2024 carried another shockingly high age statement as it did with 2023’s third release.

Batch B524 is traditionally inspired and bold, starting with a robust aroma of peppery oak, cigar box, raisin, and baking spices. Heavily charred oak, tobacco, graham cracker, and caramel emerge on the palate, which tones the intensity down a notch though it remains as potent as expected for the proof. Baking spices, caramel, and aged oak define the bourbon’s long, otherwise straightforward finish.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B524 is a solid showing for the brand, but it doesn’t reach the high points that some of the line’s previous standouts achieved. It’s a bit hot, which mutes the bourbon’s overall potential to showcase its full potential. Heaven Hill might be saving a showstopper release for the last batch of 2024, but that doesn’t change the fact that Batch B524 is a solid buy at $75 for anyone looking for a bold, traditionally-inspired barrel proof Kentucky bourbon.