by Vital » Thu Sep 24, 2015 7:59 pm
This "new" EC is NOT NAS. It's the same exact 12 year old, it just doesn't get mentioned on the front like it used to. It is still mentioned in the back of the bottle thou. I also spoke to staff at Heaven Hill Heritage center about half a year ago when I was there and they assured me it's the same exact liquid inside, they simply went for a new look, nothing else. I like old look better but whatever, same liquid.
With that said - prices in any distillery/heritage centers are always a few bucks more over any local liquor store. Not sure what EC12 goes for in Kentucky but in Brooklyn, NY I can easily locate it for $23 so buying 10 for $28 each makes no sense to me at all.
As for EC23 - when in KY I found a bottle in "hole in the wall" store 40 miles from Louisville, KY for $250. BUUUUT I was lucky to find it, chances are that there's not many of them available so paying $279 is still a good deal based on bottles rarity/availability.
With that said I'd go for EC23 if I was in your shoes.
p.s. Everything I wrote above is strictly based on cost/availability in my neck of the woods, your local pries could be much different of course. Also - if you don't like very aged stuff EC23 is just not for you no matter the cost. It's very woody and leathery, completely different ball game in comparison to 6-10yo anything.