Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 01:04 am
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 Barrel Proof vs Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 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 Barrel Proof vs Toasted Barrel: Comparison
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: A potent mix of oak, vanilla, and spice at 120 proof, offering a rich, complex experience. A bold choice for those seeking intensity and depth.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: A sweeter, smoother bourbon at 94 proof with vanilla, caramel, and a hint of oak spice. Perfect for those who prefer a gentler sip with warmth.
Key Difference: The Toasted Barrel is the Small Batch bourbon finished in specially toasted barrels, unlike the uncut and unfiltered Barrel Proof, which retains all its flavors.
Verdict: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel each showcase the craftsmanship of Elijah Craig, with Barrel Proof catering to aficionados of full-strength bourbon, and Toasted Barrel appealing to those who enjoy nuanced, mellow flavors, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Elijah Craig Bourbon Choices
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: A Bold Bourbon Journey
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Spice, coconut, vanilla
- Finish: Spice, oak, caramel
- Alcohol content: 120 proof (60% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Elijah Craig Single Barrel
Craving an intense bourbon experience? Elijah Craig Barrel Proof delivers bold flavors and a full-bodied warmth. This 12-year-old behemoth packs a punch, but don’t worry, it’s smooth without any harsh bite.
Oak Meets Sweetness:
- Smell it: Deep oak takes center stage, with whispers of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of alcohol.
- Sip it: A warm, inviting wave of spices, coconut, vanilla, and brown sugar washes over you. The finish? Long, sweet, and chest-warming with a touch of oak and delicate floral notes.
Balance in the Heat:
- This bourbon is strong, but perfectly balanced. Floral notes, brown sugar sweetness, and a hint of tartness tame the heat, creating a harmonious sip.
- Neat is the way to go, but an ice cube can cool it down if you prefer.
Bonus Fun Facts:
- Aged 12 years.
- Made with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- Batch codes reveal release details (e.g., “A123” = first release in 2023).
- A double gold medal winner!
Ready to embark on a bold bourbon adventure? Try Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and discover its complex depths.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: Unveiling the Sweet Side of Bourbon
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, cherry, green apple
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, rye spice, charred oak
- Finish: Medium-length, warming, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Elijah Craig Small Batch
Craving a bourbon that’s smooth and easy on the palate? The Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel might just be your new go-to. This expression takes the classic Small Batch and gives it a toasty twist, resulting in a sweeter, more approachable experience.
Sweet Notes with a Touch of Spice:
- Sniff it: First up, a wave of sweet vanilla greets your nose, followed by hints of oak and ripe cherry.
- Sip it: This medium-bodied bourbon starts with a burst of vanilla and caramel, balanced by a touch of rye spice and a hint of charred oak.
A Finish that Warms You Up:
- Savor it: The finish lingers comfortably, leaving behind a satisfying caramel and oak aftertaste.
Stepping Up the Game:
- Compared to the standard Small Batch, the Toasted Barrel boasts an extra year of aging in specially toasted barrels. This helps to smooth out some of the rough edges, making it a more enjoyable sip.
- While it might not challenge top-shelf bourbons, the Toasted Barrel is a clear step in the right direction for Elijah Craig.
Bonus Fun Facts:
- Aged for 8 years, plus an extra year in toasted barrels.
- Elijah Craig is known for pioneering the use of heavily charred casks, a signature of bourbon today.
- Produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, a family-owned Kentucky gem.
Ready to try the Toasted Barrel yourself? Give it a swirl and discover its sweet side!
How do Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel differ?
The Toasted Barrel is essentially the same bourbon as the Small Batch but with an additional finishing step in toasted barrels.
These barrels, crafted in collaboration with Independent Stave Company, are made from 18-month air-dried staves that undergo toasting and flash charring.
On the other hand, the Barrel Proof is uncut, meaning that no water was added before bottling, and unfiltered as a means to retain all of its flavors.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | $86 |
| Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | $95 |