Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925 Bourbon Review – 9yr/129-Proof Bargain

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Heaven Hill
• MASH BILL: 78% Corn | 10% Rye | 12% Malted Barley
• AGE: 9 years, 1 month
• YEAR: 2025
• PROOF: 129 (64.5% ABV)
• MSRP: $74.99
• BUY ONLINE: Heaven Hill Online Bottle Shop

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: All fans of high-proof, bold bourbon–and with Scotch-only drinkers who think the sun rises and sets on 80 proof whisky.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes, as always.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. Just buy it. You'll never been disappointed in one of these thrice-annual releases. And if you find it in a bar, get it.

OVERALL: This C925 release marks the last of three 2025 bottlings of this venerable line extension. Introduced in 2013, it was among the early barrel-proof bourbons that helped fan the flames of enthusiasm for bourbon's dramatic rebound from its legendary slump.

At the outset, it was old (always at least 12 years), bold, dark, deep and multidimensional. One testament to its stoutness is how many fans possess open bottles on their shelves that have barely succumbed to infusions of air caused by periodic snorts. It didn't need any more density from its inherent flat-cola texture and undercurrents of tobacco and molasses, yet time and oxygen giveth more of it freely and favorably.

As good as this 9-year C925 is, it makes me long for the labyrinthine nuances of those earlier, older versions. This one is simpler, but still expectedly delicious. Toasted oak leads on the nose followed by dark caramel and caramel corn. An odd combo of toasted rye bread and dark cherries come along next with spiced honey and dried roses in tow.

A single sip sees honey, caramel and vanilla coat the palate with a little cayenne. A second sip delivers oak, black pepper and clove and leaves the mouth buzzing and eager for more. A third take is hard cherry candy up front and a little molasses and oak smoke in the back. The finish is warm, tingling and pleasant.

If you think such a simple review implies that this doesn't warrant a $75 sticker price, you'd be wrong. I've had Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs that were Ferrari quality: complex, lithe, surprising, memorable and jaw dropping–but without the Prancing Pony price. Others, like this one, while powerful, muscular and rewarding, are more akin to a Ford Mustang GT, a car I'd happily trade in for my present ride.

I mean, there aren't many bourbons out there that are 9 years old, this rock-solid-reliably-good and cost $75. (Knob Creek 120 proof, you say? The worthiest of comparisons!) But there are an abundance of posers at 5 years old that require the crutch of a second cask finish to justify loftier price tags. ECBP never needed any such help. It is, and always will remain, a wholly reliable bargain I'd pour for anyone.

BRAND NOTES

• COLOR: Deep amber
• AROMA: Caramel with toasted oak, fruit notes of apple and orange
• TASTE: Rich vanilla, caramel and butterscotch along with spices of black pepper and cinnamon at the back of the palate
• FINISH: Nicely layered showcasing all flavors, fades slowly then lingers as it cools

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.