Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 09:16 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Evan Williams 1783 in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Evan Williams 1783: Comparison
Elijah Craig Small Batch: A bold adventure in every sip, showcasing a rich blend of oak, chocolate, and warming spices. Requires patience to fully appreciate its complexity and spice.
Evan Williams 1783: Offers a unique peanut-forward profile, coupled with sweet vanilla and caramel, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious bourbon enthusiasts.
Verdict: Both 1783 and Elijah Craig hail from Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, but diverge in flavor due to differing barrel management. Elijah Craig leans bolder with heavier oak char and slightly higher proof, while Evan Williams features lighter toast and muted notes, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Elijah Craig Whiskeys
Elijah Craig Small Batch: Bold & Spicy Charmer (with a Patience Test)
- Nose: Wood, chocolate, cinnamon, clove
- Palate: Chocolate, wood, butterscotch, citrus
- Finish: Oak spice, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Eagle Rare
Sip & Savour:
- Nose: Hints of oak, chocolate, warm spices like cinnamon & clove tickle your senses.
- Palate: Upfront oak punch followed by hints of dark chocolate, butterscotch, & vanilla with a citrusy twist.
- Finish: Warming spice fiesta of cinnamon, black pepper, & clove balanced by lingering butterscotch sweetness.
Good, But Feisty:
Elijah Craig boasts an inviting aroma & flavour profile, but the finish packs a spicy punch that might require some getting used to. Adding a splash of water tames the heat & lets the sweetness shine.
Not Your Average Joe:
This bourbon is definitely sippable, but demands a bit more patience than others in its price range. Think of it as a bold adventure for your taste buds!
Bonus Facts:
- Elijah Craig is said to be the pioneer of using heavily charred barrels for bourbon aging.
- Made with corn, rye, & malted barley, it’s blended from at least 200 casks, each aged 8+ years in Kentucky.
- It used to have a 12-year age statement, but now offers wider availability without it.
- The batch size doubled from 100 to 200 barrels for richer complexity.
So, is it for you? If you enjoy a bolder bourbon with some spicy kick, Elijah Craig is worth exploring. Just be prepared for a bit of a wild ride on the finish!
Related: Elijah Craig Drinking Guide
Evan Williams 1783: A Peanut-Forward Bourbon for Budget-Conscious Sippers
- Nose: Peanut, vanilla frosting, cinnamon, brown sugar
- Palate: Caramel, corn syrup, peanuts, cinnamon, oak
- Finish: Charred oak, caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Evan Williams Single Barrel
Craving a touch of nostalgia? Evan Williams 1783 leads with a distinctive aroma of roasted peanuts, mingled with sweet vanilla frosting, cinnamon spice, and a hint of brown sugar.
On the palate, expect a medium body, with upfront caramel sweetness followed by corn syrup, toasted peanuts, warm cinnamon, and a subtle “postage stamp” (phenolic) note.
The finish is quick and slightly dry, leaving lingering hints of caramel and oak char.
Easy on the wallet, easy on the palate. While not bursting with complexity, 1783 offers a smooth and pleasant sipping experience, especially for its budget-friendly price.
Peanut power dominates: Though undeniably peanut-forward, the sweetness and subtle spice keep it balanced.
More than just a label: Despite the “small batch” label, 1783 uses over 200 barrels, ensuring consistency and affordability.
Aged to perfection: This bourbon enjoys between 6 and 8 years of maturation, adding depth to its flavor profile.
Great for everyday enjoyment: While it might not impress whiskey connoisseurs, 1783 is a solid choice for casual sippers on a budget.
Ready for a peanut-infused bourbon adventure? Evan Williams 1783 awaits!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | $34 |
| Evan Williams 1783 | $20 |