Experience bourbon in its purest form with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B525, the second and highly anticipated 2025 release from Heaven Hill Distillery. True to the series' acclaimed reputation, this bourbon is uncut, unfiltered, and straight from the barrel, offering a bold and authentic tasting journey. Bottled at a robust 126.2 proof and with an impressive age statement of 11 years and 6 months, B525 stands as one of the oldest and most complex batches in recent memory. Secure this exceptional expression of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
Each batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a unique snapshot in time, and B525 continues this tradition of excellence. Named for the Reverend Elijah Craig, the "Father of Bourbon," this release showcases the rich, layered flavors that can only be achieved through patient aging and bottling at natural cask strength. It's a must-have for any serious bourbon enthusiast looking for power, depth, and character.
The Elijah Craig brand pays homage to the Reverend Elijah Craig, a Baptist preacher and entrepreneur credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in new charred oak barrels back in 1789. This innovative charring process imparted the rich flavor and reddish color that would come to define "Bourbon." Today, Heaven Hill Distillery, America's largest independent, family-owned distillery, upholds this legacy. The Barrel Proof series, first launched in 2013, quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for delivering extra-aged, cask-strength bourbon at an incredible value. While the age statement now varies by batch, the distillery's commitment to quality remains unwavering, as proven by this formidable B525 release.
Tasting Notes: A Rich and Fruit-Forward Powerhouse
Batch B525 is being lauded by critics as one of the tastiest and most complex releases in recent memory, offering a remarkable balance of age and proof:
Nose: A potent and inviting bouquet of toasted oak and jammy dark fruits. Notes of preserved berries, spiced marmalade, and cooked peaches mingle with classic caramel and vanilla.
Palate: The mouthfeel is incredibly rich and viscous. A wave of sweet butterscotch, dark chocolate, and molasses washes over the palate, complemented by a vibrant peppery spice and hints of black licorice, root beer, and burnt caramel.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and complex. Dark cherry and espresso notes fade into lingering peppery spice, orange marmalade, warm honey, and satisfying oak.
Why B525 is a Must-Have Batch:
Extra-Aged: At 11 years and 6 months, this is the oldest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release since 2023, offering profound depth and oak character.
Uncut & Unfiltered: You are tasting this bourbon exactly as it was in the barrel—non-chill filtered and at its natural 126.2 proof for maximum flavor and texture.
A Flavor Bomb: Celebrated for its rich, fruit-forward profile, B525 offers a complex and rewarding tasting experience that stands out even among other highly-rated batches.
A Collector's Staple: The tri-annual releases of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof are cornerstones for any serious bourbon collection, with each batch telling its own unique story.
Incredible Value: For a cask-strength bourbon with this impressive age statement and critical acclaim, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof continues to represent one of the best values in American whiskey.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525 is a powerful, nuanced, and deeply satisfying bourbon that lives up to its legendary name. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of this exceptional and limited release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What does the batch number "B525" mean?
A: The batch number is a code for the release schedule. The "B" indicates it is the second release of the year (A, B, C). The "5" signifies the month of release (May). The "25" represents the year (2025).
Q: How is this different from the standard Elijah Craig Small Batch?
A: The standard Elijah Craig Small Batch is bottled at 94 proof and has no age statement. The Barrel Proof series features bourbon bottled at its natural cask strength (120+ proof) and, with Batch B525, carries a specific age statement of 11 years and 6 months, making it a much older, more intense, and robust whiskey.
Q: What does "Barrel Proof" or "Cask Strength" mean?
A: It means the whiskey is bottled at the same alcohol by volume (ABV) as it was when aged in the barrel, without being diluted with water to a lower proof. This preserves the whiskey's purest and most flavorful state.
Q: Did Elijah Craig Barrel Proof always have a standard 12-year age statement?
A: For many years the series carried a standard 12-year age statement. In 2023, Heaven Hill shifted to batch-specific age statements to allow their blenders more flexibility in creating each unique release.
Q: How should I drink this high-proof bourbon?
A: This bourbon is excellent for sipping neat to experience its full, powerful flavor. However, due to its high proof, many people enjoy adding a few drops of water or a single large ice cube. This can temper the alcohol and "open up" new layers of aroma and flavor.
Q: Where can I purchase Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525?
A: This is a highly sought-after, limited-release product. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
