BCA and Ace Liquor Center Release Deatsville Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Pick

Last Updated on September 28, 2021 by 5e2793

PUBLISH DATE: September 28, 2021

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA), in collaboration with Ace Liquor Center, announced the release of a highly anticipated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP) Deatsville pick, drawn from one of the most respected warehouse locations in Kentucky bourbon history. The selection quickly gained attention for its depth, balance, and unmistakable Deatsville character.

Seven Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey private barrel program sample bottles lined up side by side on a dark countertop, each with a black cap and white ‘Elijah Craig’ label, showing different amber-gold bourbon shades from light honey to deeper copper. The photo appears to be taken in an office or tasting-room setting; behind the bottles are papers and a desk organizer, a spray bottle and a Purell hand-sanitizer dispenser, plus several unopened wine bottles. The image highlights a bourbon tasting lineup and comparison of multiple Elijah Craig barrel samples in small-format bottles. — Source: Gary Penna – September 28 2021

Close-up of an Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Private Barrel Program Sample bottle on a dark bar counter, next to a Glencairn tasting glass holding a small pour of amber bourbon; the bottle label reads “ELIJAH CRAIG” with details including barrel number and proof, while a warmly lit whiskey bar or tasting room with framed wall decor and blurred background bottles appears behind, highlighting bourbon tasting, whiskey sampling, and premium Kentucky bourbon. — Source: Gary Penna – September 28 2021

Barrel Pick Overview

Producer: Heaven Hill Distillery
Brand: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Warehouse Location: Deatsville, Kentucky
Age: 8 Years
Proof: 134.1 Proof
Selection: Bourbon Club of Arkansas & Ace Liquor Center
Price at Release: $83.99 (before tax)

This release is uncut, unfiltered, and presented exactly as it came from the barrel—showcasing the bold profile Deatsville warehouses are known for.

Tasting Notes from the Selection Team

Gary Penna — October 14, 2021

Source: Facebook

“Color: Dark amber

Nose: Deep toffee, burnt oak, vanilla and caramel with a hint of buttery flavor gives way to roasted pecans. A hint of spice is present. Just a wonderful, wonderful nose, so incredibly complex, yet familiar. I can see myself settling into a nice leather chair in my basement and enjoying this over the course of an entire evening.

Palate: Very little front end burn for such a high proof. Toffee and caramel pop immediately, with a buttery mouthfeel. Some spicy peppery notes hit right after the initial Kentucky chew, yet so incredibly welcome. This is such an enjoyable sip. I would put this up against my top five of the year. This guy would be neck and neck with my beloved GTS.

Finish: Can I say a warm cocoon of awesomeness? I am floored how well this one finishes. This is the quintessential KSBW, pure Kentucky greatness. I can’t wait for these bottles to drop! Even as I’m finishing this review I can still taste the whiskey on my palate and it’s been a good six minutes!!

Truth be told, every single one of the samples we received was absolutely drop-dead phenomenal. It just came down to small little nuances that my palate and your other admins picked up. Trust me—if I could buy all seven barrels, I would!!”*

Tyler Shinabery — July 19, 2022

Source: Facebook

“Nose: Pecan, oak, peanuts, nougat, cherry/orange (reminds me of the smell of an Old Fashioned), chocolate, caramel—more pecan and peanut, almost like a Beam vibe. Excellent.

Palate: White chocolate, oak, coffee bean, charred oak. Added some water and these flavors still shine through, just a bit more dull.

Finish: Medium-to-long. Oak, ethanol burn on the back of the palate, tannins rise up, and a creamy vanilla before the fade.

Overall: Solid pour as always for these ECBPs. I was able to taste this back when it was selected, but it’s been a hot minute so I don’t remember too much from that particular tasting. I do know that I was the outlier of about five tasters on this one. I chose this one second and everyone else pretty much had it first. The nose is the absolute start for me. Very complex. The palate was solid, and the finish was a bit bitter on my neck pour but much better after being open for a week. Cheers!”*

Drinking and Handling Recommendations

Gary Penna — July 9, 2022

Source: Facebook

“On the ECBP itself. This is a high-proof monster. Be aware that if you drink it without letting it breathe it WILL be hot. I do recommend trying it right away neat however, then writing down your notes. Then letting it breathe for about 20 minutes in the glass on the next pour.

Try it with water or ice too. What I will say after it’s been opened for about a week or two in the bottle, it will tame down and will just get better with time.

I decanted half mine to expedite the process a bit. Also because it’s unchillfiltered, I shook the bottle up before I poured to make sure any sediment was evenly mixed. There is always some. This prevents the infamous ‘neck pour’ in my opinion.”

Promotional poster for **Verum in Cupam** featuring a red, black, and white graphic illustration of two mustached men in a vintage, Western-style scene—one wearing a wide-brim hat and the other raising a hand near his head. Text on the image reads: ‘**Verum in Cupam**,’ ‘**Act II**,’ and ‘**Barrel #5832**.’ A quote across the bottom says, ‘**Watch out Johnny, I heard he’s pretty good!**’ Footer text states: ‘**Presented by Ace Liquor Center & Bourbon Club of Arkansas**.’ High-contrast, comic-book style bourbon event artwork. — Source: Gary Penna – September 28 2021

About the Distillery

Founded in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery is one of the largest family-owned distilleries in the United States and the steward of the Elijah Craig brand. Heaven Hill is renowned for its deep aging inventory, traditional production methods, and some of the most respected rickhouses in Kentucky.

The Deatsville warehouses, located near Louisville, are especially prized among bourbon enthusiasts. Their unique microclimate—defined by airflow, elevation, and temperature swings—often produces barrels with intensified sweetness, deeper oak integration, and bold structure. Bottles known to originate from Deatsville are frequently sought out for their richness and power.

Final Thoughts

The BCA and Ace Liquor Center Deatsville Elijah Craig Barrel Proof pick exemplifies why Deatsville barrels continue to hold legendary status. With unanimous praise from the selection team and layered complexity at barrel proof, this release remains a standout chapter in Arkansas bourbon history.