Elijah Craig Barrel Proof returns with the 37th offering, A125. The Barrel Proof from Elijah Craig sees 3 offerings each year A1##, B5## and C9##. Is the the bottling that turned me on to higher proof bourbon so I did have some disappointment when I saw this on the shelf at the lowest proof to date (tied with B521).
This release marks the 37th in the series. Generally speaking the A bottles are bottled in January, B in May and C in September. In 2023, Elijah Craig moved away from the aging being a consistent 12 years and now each release has its own age statement.
Bourbon Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A125
ABV: 59.1% (118.2 Proof)
Age: 10 Years, 7 Months
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co. (Heaven Hill)
Location: Bardstown, KY (USA)
The Nose: Like many of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof to come before the A125 offers up a wonderful sweetness on the aroma with notes of caramel, vanilla and leather. Letting the bourbon sit for a bit additional notes reveal toasted oak.
The Taste: The initial sip is loaded with vanilla, kiwi and subtle classic bubble gum (bazooka, double trouble, topps). Subsequent sips see nuances of blackberry, rye spice and leather.
The Finish: It’s a tale of two bourbons. The initial sips see a lingering sweetness, but the more you sip this Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release the A125 become spicy, oak and tannic that could be off-putting to some.
Pairing Recommendation: A few people have suggested that I should offer cigar/bourbon pairings on my reviews. This is a great idea. For the inaugural pair recommendation I would go Aganorsa Leaf. Basically any of their blends work as the spicy nature of Aganorsa tobacco will help offset the tannic finish and enhance the rye. The pairing does not play into our final score. And it is formulated at a future pour from the final review.
Conclusion: The A125 is the youngest Barrel Proof to date and ties for lowest proof with the B521 release. The proof gives it a feel that is close enough to the regular Elijah Craig Small Batch (shocked I have not reviewed this yet, this will change) that I have to question the added price. I want my barrel proof to be strong, yet flavorful. While this was flavorful it could of used some added strength which I believe not many bourbon drinkers will agree with.
The end result is a bourbon that is a tremendous departure from past Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases. I get the need to change things up from time to time but drinkers of this pour I believe expect more and I know I am one of those.
Score: 87
Price: $74.99
| Batch | Proof | Year |
|---|---|---|
| A125 | 118.2 (Aged 10 Years 7 Months) (Tied Lowest Proof) | 2025 |
| C924 | 129.0 (Aged 11 Years) Read Our Review | 2024 |
| B524 | 119.0 (Aged 10 Years, 9 Months | 2024 |
| A124 | 119.0 (Aged 10 Years, 9 Months) Read Our Review | 2024 |
| C923 | 133.0 (Aged 13 Years, 7 Months) | 2023 |
| B523 | 124.2 (Aged 11 Years, 5 Months) Read Our Review | 2023 |
| A123 | 125.6 Read Our Review | 2023 |
| C922 | 124.8 | 2022 |
| B522 | 121.0 | 2022 |
| A122 | 120.8 | 2022 |
| C921 | 120.2 | 2021 |
| B521 | 118.2 (Tied Lowest Poof) | 2021 |
| A121 | 123.6 | 2021 |
| C920 | 136.6 | 2020 |
| B520 | 127.2 | 2020 |
| A120 | 136.6 | 2010 |
| C919 | 136.8 | 2019 |
| B519 | 122.2 | 2019 |
| A119 | 135.2 | 2019 |
| C918 | 131.4 | 2018 |
| B518 | 133.4 | 2018 |
| A118 | 130.6 | 2018 |
| C917 | 131.0 | 2017 |
| B517 | 124.2 | 2017 |
| A117 | 127,0 | 2017 |
| C916 | 136.0 | 2016 |
| B516 | 139.4 | 2016 |
| A116 | 138.8 | 2016 |
| C915 | 135.6 | 2015 |
| B515 | 139.8 | 2015 |
| A215 | 128.0 | 2015 |
| C914 | 140.2 (Highest Proof) | 2014 |
| B514 | 134.8 | 2014 |
| A314 | 140.2 (Highest Proof) | 2014 |
| C913 | 133.2 | 2013 |
| B713 | 137.0 | 2013 |
| A313 | 134.2 | 2013 |
Editor’s Note: If you notice an error above please contact us.
