Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:51 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 Knob Creek 9 Year 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 vs Knob Creek: Which to Buy?
Elijah Craig and Knob Creek are two distinguished bourbons, each with its own unique character and appeal.
Elijah Craig presents a complex blend of wood, chocolate, and spice, with a rich palate that includes butterscotch and citrus, finishing with a warm, spicy kick. It’s a bourbon that demands a bit of patience to fully appreciate its depth, especially with its spicy finish. A drop of water can help mellow the spice and bring forward its sweetness, making it more accessible.
Knob Creek, offers a bold and tasty experience, with a nose rich in cherry, vanilla, and caramel, complemented by a creamy palate of vanilla, oak, and chocolate. Its long, satisfying finish is both warm and complex. At 100 proof, it’s a bold bourbon that benefits from the addition of water to unlock additional layers of flavor. Knob Creek is celebrated for its value, offering a robust sipping experience that can also elevate cocktails.
Verdict: Elijah Craig suits those who like a spicy, complex bourbon, while Knob Creek appeals to fans of bold, rich flavors with a creamy texture. Each bourbon’s unique qualities, like Elijah Craig’s historical depth and careful blending versus Knob Creek’s traditional, robust profile, cater to different tastes.
Choosing between them depends on individual preferences and the drinking occasion, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Selling Whiskeys
Elijah Craig: Satisfying Sip with a Spicy Finish
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Woodford Reserve
Aroma: Elijah Craig greets you with oak followed by hints of chocolate, cinnamon, and clove.
Taste: Upfront oak spice mingles with dark chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of citrus.
Warm Finish: The finish brings a slight warmth with noticeable alcohol presence and a spicy kick of cinnamon, black pepper, and clove. A touch of butterscotch sweetness lingers at the end.
Decent, but Needs Patience: While the nose and initial taste are appealing, the finish is warm and spicy, requiring more patience to savor compared to other options in its price range. Adding a drop of water helps by introducing sweetness and reducing the spice.
Elijah Craig Facts:
- Known for pioneering the use of heavily charred casks for aging bourbon.
- Made with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- Meticulously blended from at least 200 casks, each aged 8+ years.
- Previously had a 12-year age statement, now NAS (No Age Statement).
- Produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, a family-owned Kentucky company.
Knob Creek: Bold Bourbon for Savory Sippers
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s
Aroma: Knob Creek opens with inviting scents of ripe cherries, followed by layers of vanilla, caramel, oak, and a touch of rye spice.
Taste: Full-bodied and creamy, it warms you with pronounced flavors of vanilla, oak, rich chocolate, cherry, and the signature roasted peanut found in Jim Beam bourbons.
Long, Satisfying Finish: The 100-proof strength shines through with a pleasant warmth in the long, satisfying finish.
Great Value: This bourbon delivers a lot for the price, making it a solid choice for sipping neat or straight.
Tip: A few drops of water can unlock delightful floral notes and enhance your enjoyment.
While Knob Creek excels as a sipping whiskey, bolder options might be better suited for cocktails.
Knob Creek Facts:
- Aged 9 years in heavily charred white oak barrels.
- Made with a similar mash bill to Jim Beam (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley).
- Created by legendary Master Distiller Booker Noe.
- Named after a small Kentucky creek with a connection to Abraham Lincoln.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Elijah Craig | $34 |
| Knob Creek | $37 |