Elijah Craig Single Barrel 23 Year Old is one of the rarest and most sought-after expressions in the entire Heaven Hill portfolio, a genuinely exceptional aged single barrel bourbon that sits well above the already celebrated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 12 Year in age, complexity, and collector desirability. Bottled on September 17, 2018, from Barrel No. 16, this is a specific individually documented release that will never be replicated once the last bottle from this barrel is sold. At 23 years of age, this bourbon has spent over two decades in new charred American oak at Heaven Hill's Bardstown rickhouses, developing a depth and oak integration that few American bourbons ever achieve. Bottled at 45% ABV without chill filtration, this expression represents the "Father of Bourbon" label at its most serious, a single barrel that has been allowed to reach its fullest potential before being hand-selected and bottled. Elijah Craig 23 Year releases are produced in extremely limited quantities and allocated strictly, making any available bottle a genuine acquisition opportunity for serious bourbon collectors.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Heaven Hill Brands |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Single Barrel |
| Age Statement |
23 years |
| Barrel Number |
16 |
| Bottling Date |
September 17, 2018 |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep rich mahogany with warm copper tones, a direct result of 23 years of contact with new charred American oak
Nose: Remarkably deep and layered, with dark caramel, roasted oak, dried cherry, dark chocolate, brown sugar, and a pronounced barrel char that signals the full maturity of this expression. The 23-year age is unmistakable from the first nosing.
Palate: Rich and complex at 90 proof, with toffee, dark fruit, espresso, cinnamon, aged leather, and a long deep oak spice that builds throughout. The single barrel character adds a layer of individuality that distinguishes this from any blended release in the Elijah Craig range.
Finish: Very long and warming, with charred oak, dark dried fruit, bittersweet chocolate, and a lingering spiced sweetness that honors two-plus decades in Kentucky wood.
FAQ
How does the 23 Year Single Barrel differ from Elijah Craig Barrel Proof?
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a 12-year minimum age expression bottled at cask strength, celebrated for its intensity and value. The 23 Year Single Barrel is an entirely different tier: nearly twice the age, bottled from one specific barrel with full provenance documentation including barrel number and bottling date. The additional 11 years of oak contact produces a depth and complexity that the 12 Year, exceptional as it is, cannot match.
Why is Elijah Craig called the "Father of Bourbon"?
Elijah Craig was an 18th century Baptist minister and entrepreneur in Kentucky who is traditionally credited with first aging corn whiskey in charred oak barrels in 1789, the practice that defines bourbon as we know it today. Heaven Hill named the brand in his honor and the "Father of Bourbon" designation appears on every bottle.
Is the 23 Year Single Barrel still produced?
Elijah Craig 23 Year Single Barrel releases are produced only when Heaven Hill determines that specific barrels have reached peak maturity after 23 years. They are allocated in extremely small quantities and once a specific barrel like Barrel No. 16 is exhausted, that exact expression is gone permanently.
Where can I buy Elijah Craig 23 Year Single Barrel online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
