Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Barrel #6276641 Selected by Ace Liquor & Bourbon Club of Arkansas #2

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by 5e2793

PUBLISH DATE: April 2, 2023

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) and Ace Liquor have announced the selection of a highly anticipated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP) private barrel, marking another significant allocated release for Arkansas bourbon enthusiasts.

After several months of tasting and evaluation, the selection team narrowed six ECBP samples down to a single standout barrel:

ECBP Barrel #6276641

• Age: 9 Years
• Rickhouse Location: IF-5
• Proof: 137.9**
• Selection Partners: Ace Liquor & Bourbon Club of Arkansas

“Very interesting fact about our ECBP #2 — from the time we sampled it to when it was bottled, it jumped a full proof point… and apparently gained 12 months of aging 😂.”

— Gary Penna, Facebook

This barrel represents BCA’s second Elijah Craig Barrel Proof selection, continuing a strong track record of high-proof, high-quality private barrels curated for Arkansas bourbon fans.

A New Tier System for Allocated Releases

This ECBP release is also notable for introducing a new tier-based allocation system for BCA’s most sought-after whiskeys. According to the announcement, this will be the first allocated bourbon distributed under the tier structure, with additional details to be released in the coming weeks.

The tier system is designed to ensure a fair and transparent process for members when demand exceeds supply—something increasingly common with barrel proof releases of this caliber.

Gratitude to Ace Liquor

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas extended special thanks to Justin Pierce of Ace Liquor, whose continued support made the second ECBP selection possible. Collaborations like this remain a cornerstone of Arkansas’s vibrant private barrel culture.

Review from Matt Sharpe

**“I’m going to try to compare these two—though I doubt I’ll do them justice. Deatsville vs #2: 8-year 134.1 proof vs 10-year 137.9 proof.

Nose: Deatsville shows oak, slight cherry, and more ethanol than #2. #2 brings oak and tobacco, with more sweetness—maybe honey or caramel—along with slight cherry and a hint of floral notes.

Palate: Deatsville leans toward ethanol, oak, and a peppery fruit character. #2 delivers sweet oaky tobacco followed by a cinnamon-driven spice.

Finish: Deatsville finishes spicier and more peppery with a nice tongue tingle that sweetens as it lingers. #2 also has a long-lasting tingle, with flavors that just seem to hang out.

Overall: Both are really nice bourbons. I love the nose on #2—it feels more complex and, yes, smoother than the Deatsville despite the higher proof. I’m glad I was able to get both, but I’d absolutely love a second bottle of #2. I think this one is really going to shine as it opens up.”**

— Matt Sharpe, Facebook, May 9, 2023

Background: Elijah Craig & Heaven Hill Distillery

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, one of Kentucky’s largest and most respected family-owned distilleries. Named after Reverend Elijah Craig—often credited with early innovations in barrel aging—the brand has become synonymous with bold, unfiltered bourbon.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is released without chill filtration and bottled straight from the barrel, showcasing:

• Full barrel strength
• Natural color
• Deep oak influence
• Rich notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and dark sugar

Private barrel selections such as this one allow clubs and retailers to highlight unique expressions shaped by specific warehouse locations, floors, and aging conditions.

What to Expect Next

Details regarding bottle availability, tier eligibility, and release timing will be shared soon. As with most ECBP private barrels, interest is expected to be high, and availability will be limited.

Arkansas bourbon fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements as this release approaches.