Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:50 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.
Unearth the differences between Angel’s Envy and Elijah Craig Small Batch in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which bourbon is best!
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
Angel’s Envy vs Elijah Craig: Comparison
Angel’s Envy: A distinct bourbon with coconut, chocolate, and vanilla on the nose, followed by a palate of maple syrup, caramel, and vanilla. Offers a toasted oak and spice finish. Unique for its port wine cask finish.
Elijah Craig: Presents wood, chocolate, and spices on the nose, with a palate rich in chocolate, butterscotch, and citrus. The finish is spicy with oak, cinnamon, and vanilla. Known for its bold, spicy character.
Verdict: Angel’s Envy provides a unique, sweet profile with its port cask aging, ideal for those seeking smooth and sweet flavors. Elijah Craig offers a classic, bold bourbon experience with a spicy kick, catering to traditional bourbon lovers who enjoy getting a kick out of their sip, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Great Bourbons under $50
Angel’s Envy: A Unique Bourbon with a Breakfast Twist
- Nose: Coconut, chocolate, vanilla
- Palate: Bread, maple syrup, caramel, vanilla
- Finish: Toasted oak, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Basil Hayden’s
Aroma: Angel’s Envy deviates from traditional bourbons, offering distinct notes of coconut and chocolate followed by vanilla.
Taste: While the texture might feel slightly thin on the palate, the flavor reveals a spicy kick reminiscent of red wine, followed by a combination of maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, and baking spice.
Finish: The finish is long and leisurely, featuring moderate sweetness with hints of toasted oak and baking spice.
Uniqueness: This bourbon sets itself apart with its unique aging process involving port wine casks, which contribute uncommon flavors not typically found in traditional bourbons. Port, a fortified wine from Portugal, is known for its strong, sweet, and dark red characteristics that subtly influence Angel’s Envy.
Overall: Angel’s Envy offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Its smooth taste with minimal burn evokes a distinct breakfast vibe with notes of maple syrup and spice. While some might prefer a higher proof, it remains a pleasurable whiskey with interesting qualities.
Interesting Facts:
- Unique Aging Process: Aged for 4 to 6 years and finished in port casks, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
- Classic Mash Bill: Made with a classic bourbon mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.
- Award-Winning: Recognized for its quality, having received 98 points from Wine Enthusiast and five stars in F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.
- Crafted by a Renowned Distiller: Created by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, known for his work on Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack under Brown-Forman.
- Owned by Bacardi Company: Currently owned by the Bacardi Company, alongside other notable brands like Grey Goose and Patron Tequila.
Key Takeaways:
- Distinct from traditional bourbons with its port cask finish.
- Features a unique flavor profile with notes of coconut, chocolate, maple syrup, caramel, and spice.
- Offers a smooth taste with minimal burn, reminiscent of breakfast flavors.
- Award-winning bourbon with a unique aging process and connection to a renowned distiller.
Elijah Craig: A Bold Bourbon with a Spicy Side
- 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: Woodford Reserve
Aroma: Elijah Craig opens with a prominent oak presence, followed by subtle hints of chocolate, cinnamon, and clove.
Taste: The initial sip delivers an upfront oak spice followed by bitter chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of citrus.
Finish: The finish brings a warm and spicy character with notes of oak spice, cinnamon, black pepper, and clove, balanced by a lingering butterscotch sweetness. While some may find this finish enjoyable, others might find it slightly overwhelming due to the heat and spice. Adding a drop of water can enhance the sweetness and reduce the intensity of the spice.
Overall: Elijah Craig offers a bold and robust bourbon experience. It presents a decent value but might not be the preferred choice for those seeking a smooth and easy sipping bourbon due to its spicy finish. It requires a bit more persistence and may benefit from the addition of water for some palates.
Interesting Facts:
- Charred Cask Pioneer: Elijah Craig is credited with pioneering the use of heavily charred casks for aging bourbon, contributing significantly to the development of the spirit’s signature flavor profile.
- Unique Mash Bill: Made from a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, contributing to its bold character.
- Crafted from Many Barrels: Each bottle is a blend of over 200 casks, ensuring consistency despite the removal of the age statement.
- Previously Age-Stated: Previously bottled with a 12-year age statement, which was discontinued in 2016 to ensure wider availability.
Key Takeaways:
- Bold and robust bourbon with prominent oak and spice notes.
- Offers a decent value for the price but may not be suitable for all palates due to the warm and potentially overwhelming finish.
- Adding water can enhance sweetness and reduce spiciness for some preferences.
- Known for its role in bourbon history with pioneering charred cask aging and its unique mash bill.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon | $55 |
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | $34 |