Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Private Barrel

Is the extra $30 worth it, or should you stick with the lower proof, but still delicious, single barrels?

I’ll caveat that post with you probably won’t be able to recreate this if you wanted to. This is “The Closer” from Southern Spirits in Indian Land, SC vs ECBP A124. Even though you are unlikely to find this exact matchup again, I think Heaven Hill does a great job with these thrice a year releases, and their private picks, so it is hopefully still helpful. There are the occasional super batches, like in 2023, that seemed to be fantastic for both EC and Larceny, but it’s never a bad buy in my opinion.

I was curious to compare here because they are both 10+ year and is a good thought experiment for me. I love single barrels, I’ve come to really like a few stores and just trust their staff. But I also love those pours that when you give it to your brother-in-law, he winces through it because it tastes like Everclear to him (only sometimes do I let him put ice in it). So this to me is where I struggle, I care more about the proof, but at what point does it make sense to go for the lower proof stuff, especially when it’s a decade old? Without further ado…

ECBP A124 - Lots of oak, some vanilla, and rye spice. Some caramel on front end, as well. Lots of spice and almost grittiness. Not in a bad way but those like earthy tones. You can just tell the maturity of a bottle like this. The complexity and woody notes make it known that it’s been aged a while. Drinks amazing for a 119 proofer. For the price of around $80 bucks, it’s super solid. Ignoring price, it’s probably like an 8/10 for me.

“The Closer” - Much softer on the nose. More vanilla than the caramel from the A124. It also has a hint of citrus on the nose. Moving to the palate, I’m realizing that I should’ve started with the 94 proof pour. Oops. There’s more of a fruitiness to this one. It’s not citrus but more apples and some honey. It’s good, and also a complete bourbon. I can see why this ten or so year is a sweet spot for some of these batches. Ignoring price it’s probably a 7/10. Absolutely delicious for 94 proof but would be more delicious uncut (what isn’t?). If this was also 119 proof, I’d love love love to compare them. There aren’t a ton of 10 year bottles for $50 bucks, and I’m sometimes in the mood for something that is a little lighter so I’d buy again for sure.

Both to me are rebuys, but not automatic buys. I already passed on EC C924 this week. I’ll likely get another private barrel and one of the ‘25 barrel proof offerings this year, but maybe towards the end of the year. Just too many other things to try. I also have more HH products than almost anything else so I want to diversify my portfolio, if you will.

Personally, I think it’s worth the spend to get the high proof stuff. If proof isn’t as important to you, you’ll be plenty happy with the easy sipping 10-year.