Charred oak | Cinnamon | Brown sugar | Stewed fruit

Caramel | Charred oak | Dark fruit | Pie crust | Baking spices | Bold

Rush of spice | Tobacco | Caramel chews | Vanilla | Slight leather | Lingering heat

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is back with its third and final release of 2024 with Batch C924. Surprisingly, it carries an 11 years, 0 months age statement, which falls between Batch A124’s 10 years, 2 months and Batch B524’s 11 years, 2 months age statements. It is important to note, however, that the age statement represents the youngest barrels in the blend, which means there could be older barrels blended in though those details are not disclosed.

Charred oak, cinnamon, brown sugar, and stewed fruit comprise the bourbon’s aroma. The palate is bold, with caramel, charred oak, dark fruit, pie crust, and prominent baking spices. The spices carry over into the finish with a rush up front followed by tobacco, caramel chews, vanilla, and a slight leather note. There’s a lingering heat that makes for a lengthy ending to the sip.

Comparing the three Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases of 2024, you realize that there’s little notable difference between each of them. Age statements vary slightly, but the flavor profile for each one is on point for the brand. I was expecting a higher age statement for this third batch similar to last year’s 13 years, 7 months old C923 Batch, which we also awarded our #1 Whiskey of 2023. While Batch C924 isn’t a dog by any means, it doesn’t hit the high point last year’s C batch managed to obtain. Overall, 2024’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches maintained a high level of consistency and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Batch C924 remains a relatively high aged, high proof straight Kentucky bourbon that’s consistently good and reasonably available at its asking price.