Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

[mbroo5880i]

Traveling for work. I found a Batch 4 (132.4 proof) in Fort Wayne sitting on the shelf. It was the only one they had. It was at a chain store so it is possible that other stores might have one. The price was $42.99 so I bought it.

[Auracom]

I really don't think I could pass on any ECBP bottle below the $70-80 threshold.

[Senor Harvey]

I really don't think I could pass on any ECBP bottle below the $70-80 threshold.

I agree. Me too.

[smknjoe]

...but it retails for ~$40. :skep:

[Old Dusty]

I really don't think I could pass on any ECBP bottle below the $70-80 threshold.

To each his own and I'm sure it depends on availability and how badly you want it but that's a big number. The most I have paid (and will pay) is $50 and that was for the first bottle I found. Lucky enough to find several since at MSRP and intend to stick to that number.

[Auracom]

...but it retails for ~$40. :skep:

Now, yes. In 2 years?

To each his own and I'm sure it depends on availability and how badly you want it but that's a big number. The most I have paid (and will pay) is $50 and that was for the first bottle I found. Lucky enough to find several since at MSRP and intend to stick to that number.

Yes, at double the original retail it is a big number. But I think the general quality of ECBP bridges the gap between something like a 4R Store Pick and BTAC [personal preferences aside]. Heaven Hill did us a favor to price so low to begin with and so I'm coming from the position that even if/when the cost rises, it will still be reasonable.

Not that anyone who enjoys this bottle as much as I do needs any further justification .

[bicktrav]

Now, yes. In 2 years?

Yes, at double the original retail it is a big number. But I think the general quality of ECBP bridges the gap between something like a 4R Store Pick and BTAC [personal preferences aside]. Heaven Hill did us a favor to price so low to begin with and so I'm coming from the position that even if/when the cost rises, it will still be reasonable.

Not that anyone who enjoys this bottle as much as I do needs any further justification .

I really agree with this sentiment. Totally understand people being reluctant to spend more money, but frankly bourbon drinkers have it very very good relative to other spirits and wines (try getting a limited high quality scotch for under $50). The pricing on bourbons is low because for years no one was interested in it, but now with the ridiculous interest prices are bound to start going up. And I don't think that's a bad thing. I wouldn't mind paying 10 or 20 bucks more per bottle if it thins out the crowd and increases availability. We're spoiled with low pricing on bottles like ECBP, but we're also cursed by it; it's the reason we have to go to such ridiculous lengths to track these bottles down.

[Senor Harvey]

...but it retails for ~$40. :skep:

I know.

I do not like to pay over retail but I really enjoy ECBP and it is very hard to find in the Bay Area, especially at retail.

[TunnelTiger]

I like it so much that I wouldn't mind paying $50 retail but probably would only by a single bottle. Or would I?

[smokinjoe]

What constitutes an acceptable price is obviously up to the individual, but for my money, the ECBP would be worth every cent of double it's $40 price tag. Age, proof, and pedigree put it up among the best whiskies on the market. Heck, it's worth double just for the daily opportunity to gaze at that dark, gorgeous, mahogany, color, alone!

[HD 335]

The last bottle of ECBP I bought was $70 and I didn't hesitate. The store had two bottles so I only picked up one. If it were $45 I would have bought both but now I'm kicking myself a little for not buying the second bottle since I only have about 1/4 left. I hope someone out there is enjoying that bottle and not just hoarding to sell it eventually.

[Dannabis]

OH good! Time to start hunting again!!! Loving batch 4. Can't wait to find more. I've only seen them listed close to actually MSRP, so I might have a dilemma if I see a $70 bottle.

I hope no one resells the stuff.

I wish there was a karmic mystical bourbon law that you had you consume and/or share any ECBP your purchased unless you disliked it and then you had to gift it or at least not sell it over price.

[HP12]

What constitutes an acceptable price is obviously up to the individual, but for my money, the ECBP would be worth every cent of double it's $40 price tag. Age, proof, and pedigree put it up among the best whiskies on the market. Heck, it's worth double just for the daily opportunity to gaze at that dark, gorgeous, mahogany, color, alone!

It is a beautiful view! Cosign!

[danz]

What constitutes an acceptable price is obviously up to the individual, but for my money, the ECBP would be worth every cent of double it's $40 price tag. Age, proof, and pedigree put it up among the best whiskies on the market. Heck, it's worth double just for the daily opportunity to gaze at that dark, gorgeous, mahogany, color, alone!

[bicktrav]

Just want to add to my earlier review of this in which I stated the dominant note was molasses. Having let the bottle breathe for about a week now, a distinct cedar note has developed in the nose. That note doesn't translate entirely to the palate, so I'd still hesitate to say that wood is a dominant note flavor note. As of now, molasses remains the strongest flavor I'm getting. But the cedar in the nose is definitely there, and it adds something nice even if it doesn't land on the palate in its entirety. One other point about ECBP is that it's a very strong bourbon, and I'm not necessarily talking about proof. It's a flavor thing. The flavors are so concentrated, and yes the alcohol is so prominent, that a little goes a long way. A drink of this is an experience. And to that point about price, it's, of course, subjective, but I'd happily pay double sticker for this.

[BootsOnTheGround]

I wish there was a karmic mystical bourbon law that you had you consume and/or share any ECBP your purchased unless you disliked it and then you had to gift it or at least not sell it over price.

I used to say the same thing and believe it. Then reality caught up and I realized that many (at least in my experience) will not go out of their way to return the favor. A few will, but if you do it enough, it gets old very quickly.

Also, this is a commodity that's in high demand which is relatively scarce. Any commodity in such a position will be arbitraged in one way or another. What you will see more and more (as if you haven't already) is retailers trying to match secondary market prices or not even sell it at all. That's just how it goes...till bottom falls out, the bubble pops and everyone is onto something else.

[Jackinbox]

What you will see more and more (as if you haven't already) is retailers trying to match secondary market prices or not even sell it at all.

I've noticed a bit more of this in the last few months than I did a year ago. That's fine with me, but I refuse to participate in that. Instead of paying $70 for a bottle of ECBP (the price at one local store), I'll take that $70 and buy a Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Strength, a bottle of OGD114, and still have a couple of bucks left over.

About 3 weeks ago, I found a bottle of Weller 12 and they wanted $40 for it. When I asked why the price had gone up so much, I was told it had become "the new Pappy", so I just laughed and walked out. I'm just not going to play that game. If they can find buyers at those prices, that's their right. I just make a point to take my business to stores who don't engage in those type of practices. I don't mind the guys who are a few dollars higher on things because they can't afford to buy in the bulk of the major chains. I'm talking about places marking up an additional 50% above retail.

[BootsOnTheGround]

About 3 weeks ago, I found a bottle of Weller 12 and they wanted $40 for it. When I asked why the price had gone up so much, I was told it had become "the new Pappy", so I just laughed and walked out.

As you should have.

But you have to remember too that the distributors are bidding against each other to sell the stuff. So a small store's cost could easily exceed the SRP of the actual bottle by quite a bit if they only buy a case of it. This happened with OWA 107 at a local store. His cost was 50% higher than the normal, everyday price of $20...so he has them on his shelf for $45! Point is, he's not gouging, he's unfortunately getting screwed because the distributors (at least here) run a racket with the state to crowd out competition. The frustration should be aimed way up the chain; at those who think it's their job to "regulate" the stuff to begin with. There's too much $$$ to be made to care about if there's a real problem.

[Dannabis]

I used to say the same thing and believe it. Then reality caught up and I realized that many will not ... return the favor.

I understand what you are saying.

I was completely just fantasizing about an imaginary, fantasy Bourbon Code.

I feel happy that ECBP has a decently low MSRP. I can not afford to blow big bucks on something that I will drink up.

The secondary market is a pain in my side as several of these "valuable" bourbons, I'd really just like to taste, but they are not particularly worth piles of green lifeblood.

Excuse me for being a day-dreamy nitwit

[Dannabis]

I'll take that $70 and buy a Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Strength, a bottle of OGD114, and still have a couple of bucks left over.

I'm with you on this. I like ECBP and I'm sure the other premium bourbons are great too, but we can get some a lot more bourbon real estate for the price of that one bottle

[Restaurant man]

What constitutes an acceptable price is obviously up to the individual, but for my money, the ECBP would be worth every cent of double it's $40 price tag. Age, proof, and pedigree put it up among the best whiskies on the market. Heck, it's worth double just for the daily opportunity to gaze at that dark, gorgeous, mahogany, color, alone!

Yup. If this thing was released with all the hoopla that accompanied orphan this and tornado that, lock stock and blah blah blah some would be lining up to pay triple then flippity flippiting half of what they bought to pay for the remainder. Here's to HH for delivering the best value albeit hard to find bourbon of the year (for the price). Sorry fox but you've been outnumbered. All due respect

[TunnelTiger]

Yup. If this thing was released with all the hoopla that accompanied orphan this and tornado that, lock stock and blah blah blah some would be lining up to pay triple then flippity flippiting half of what they bought to pay for the remainder. Here's to HH for delivering the best value albeit hard to find bourbon of the year (for the price). Sorry fox but you've been outnumbered. All due respect

Amen to HH for being who they are and doing what they do.

[GaryT]

Yup. If this thing was released with all the hoopla that accompanied orphan this and tornado that, lock stock and blah blah blah some would be lining up to pay triple then flippity flippiting half of what they bought to pay for the remainder. Here's to HH for delivering the best value albeit hard to find bourbon of the year (for the price). Sorry fox but you've been outnumbered. All due respect

True - I absolutely love the guilty feeling of walking out of the store with 12 yr, barrel proof bourbon of that quality having dropped $50 or less Sure, I'd still buy it at a much higher markup (with no intentions other than drinking when my current bunker is depleted). But I'm really hoping that HH doesn't heed us "enthusiasts" and keeps the price point close to where it is now.

[tigerlam92]

Not sure if it's Father's Day or what but started to enjoy this fifth version more now. It's at 1/3 full now. First wow I have on this bottle. Had a big pour and gulping it down before the ice is melted and almost gone before I finish typing.

Syrupy, chewy, nice nose and complex flavor like other version but something additional in this release that has mellow out and in balance. Can't describe it.

[393foureyedfox]

Yup. If this thing was released with all the hoopla that accompanied orphan this and tornado that, lock stock and blah blah blah some would be lining up to pay triple then flippity flippiting half of what they bought to pay for the remainder. Here's to HH for delivering the best value albeit hard to find bourbon of the year (for the price). Sorry fox but you've been outnumbered. All due respect

no disrespect taken. if we all liked the same things, this would be a quiet, boring place. I'm just ecstatic that everything I enjoy I can find easily.