Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon / A125
The Stats
- Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery (Heaven Hill)
- Location: Bardstown, Kentucky
- Type: Barrel Proof Bourbon
- Age: 10 Years, 7 Months
- Proof: 118.2 (59.1% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
- Release: January 2025
- Price: $70
Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series has built a devoted following for a reason. These uncut, unfiltered, age-stated bourbons are a throwback to how whiskey used to be: bold, layered, and bottled with nothing held back.
Batch A125 continues that legacy with a 10-year, 7-month-old bourbon bottled at 118.2 proof—one of the more approachable entries in recent memory. Released in January 2025, A125 doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t have to. It’s a confident, dialed-in bourbon that offers rich oak, warm spice, and just enough sweetness to keep things balanced. It’s not trying to top the charts—it’s just really well made.
A Legacy Built on Strength and Structure
Elijah Craig is often credited with sparking the modern bourbon boom, and the Barrel Proof series remains a cornerstone for many enthusiasts. Each batch varies slightly in proof and flavor profile, but the throughline is consistent: full-strength bourbon aged at least a decade in Kentucky’s rickhouses.
What makes A125 interesting is its restraint. At 118.2 proof, it lands on the lower end of the ECBP spectrum, but don’t mistake that for weakness. This batch still brings all the core Elijah Craig notes—charred oak, brown sugar, toasted nuts—with a composure that feels purposeful.
The lower proof allows the nuance to shine. This is the kind of pour that rewards slow sipping. Let it open up, and you’ll start to see the layers unfold.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Sweet and inviting. Notes of toasted vanilla, caramel, and caramelized sugar lead the way. There’s a backbone of oak, Coca-Cola, and dark cherry—plus a slight herbal edge, almost like dried mint or tea leaf, that adds intrigue.
Taste:
Starts soft, then builds quickly. Caramel, charred oak, and warm spice dominate the first sip. As it settles, flavors of roasted peanut, dark cocoa, and baked cherry pie emerge. The mouthfeel is full but not overly viscous, giving it a satisfying structure without feeling heavy.
Finish:
Medium to long. The spice lingers—think clove, cinnamon, and cracked pepper—balanced by dry oak and fading vanilla sweetness. There’s just enough tannin to let you know this bourbon spent its time in the barrel.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
8 / 10 - VERY GOOD
This isn’t the flashiest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release, but it might be one of the most balanced. A125 delivers mature bourbon character without overwhelming heat, and while it doesn’t hit the outrageous highs of legendary batches, it’s a bottle we’ll be glad to revisit.
If you’re new to ECBP, this is a great entry point. If you’re a long-time fan, this is a batch that rewards a clean palate and a little patience.
How does this compare to the Larceny Barrel Proof A125?
