Elijah Craig’s Newest Barrel Proof Bourbon Packs a Punch, but It’s Shy of Hazmat Whiskey
- Heaven Hill has released a new batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon, with the latest batch, B525, coming in at 126.2 proof, making it a strong but drinkable option.
We just covered the release of two new whiskeys from Heaven Hill: the Spring 2025 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond , and the new Grain to Glass Bourbon . But the Kentucky distillery is making news again this week with the release of the latest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon, and it looks like this will be a drinkable whiskey with a fairly civilized ABV.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is the cask-strength version of the distillery's core Elijah Craig bourbon. It is made from a mashbill of 78 percent corn, 12 percent malted barley, and 10 percent rye, but while regular Elijah Craig is bottled at 94 proof, the Barrel Proof version is bottled at the strength at which it comes out of the barrel, uncut and without chill filtration. The proof varies from batch to batch—usually are three per year—and has ranged from as low as 118 proof to a high of 140.2 proof more than a decade ago in September of 2014. The latter number qualifies as hazmat level, or more than 140 proof, meaning the FAA prohibits you from carrying it onboard an aircraft. Thankfully, the latest batch—B525, indicating the second batch, released in May of 2025—clocks in at a relatively approachable 126.2 proof. No doubt, that's still strong, but more along the lines of a higher ABV Booker's release and still very drinkable (although a little ice or even water to dilute the bourbon might do the trick).
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At 11 years and six months old, this is also the oldest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release since 2023 (the oldest to date was C923 at 13 years and 7 months old). It should be noted that the age reflects the youngest whiskey in the bottle, so there could be older liquid included as well. In May of 2023, Heaven Hill removed the 12-year-old age statement from this brand, to the chagrin of many bourbon drinkers. "Each batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof will have its own unique taste profile and proof, as in years past, and now a unique age statement that will retain the extra-aged characteristic the brand is known for," said a representative for Heaven Hill at the time. The fact of the matter is that older whiskey doesn't mean better whiskey, so that change allowed for more freedom in coming up with the blend for each batch, although it was very likely a cost-saving effort as well.
We have not gotten to try the new ECBP bourbon, and the brand has not provided any tasting notes yet, but the SRP is $75 and it will be available starting this month. In the meantime, you can find previous batches available to purchase from websites like Total Wine now.
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