Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Toasted Barrel: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 01:02 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 Small Batch 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 Small Batch vs Toasted Barrel: Comparison

Elijah Craig Small Batch: A bold blend of oak spice, chocolate, and citrus, with a peppery finish. A complex sip at 94 proof that rewards patience and exploration.

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: A smooth bourbon with a vanilla and caramel sweetness, complemented by a toasty warmth. A refined choice at 94 proof for those seeking a gentle sip.

Key Difference: The Toasted Barrel bourbon is similar to the Small Batch but undergoes an extra step: aging in toasted barrels crafted with 18-month air-dried staves, toasted, and flash-charred in partnership with Stave Independent Company.

Verdict: Elijah Craig Small Batch appeals to those who favor a spicy, oak-forward profile, offering depth and intensity. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a smoother, vanilla-rich experience with a subtle complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Elijah Craig Small Batch: Oaky Punch with Hidden Charm

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: Larceny Small Batch

Think: Big oak, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Imagine a campfire in a bakery, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and chocolate swirling in the air.

Take a sip: Bam! Oak spice dominates, balanced by whispers of bitter chocolate, vanilla, and citrus. It’s warm, spicy, and intense, almost like a peppery hug.

The finish: Long and bold, like the oak took over. Think cinnamon sticks, black pepper, and a lingering sweetness. But here’s the secret: add a drop of water! It unlocks hidden depths of vanilla and caramel, smoothing things out.

Is it worth it? Solid bourbon, but the spice can be a bit much. It’s like a demanding friend who tells great stories but needs patience. If you like bold flavors, give it a shot. But if you prefer smoother sips, explore other options.

Bonus facts:

Elijah Craig invented the heavily charred barrels used in bourbon today.
Made with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
Blends at least 200 casks aged at least 8 years.
Used to have a 12-year age statement, now NAS (No Age Statement).

Ready to try it? Go bold, or go exploring! Cheers!

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: A Smooth Sip with Vanilla Charm

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

Sniff this: Vanilla takes center stage on the nose, with oak and cherry playing supporting roles. Think warm cookies and a hint of fruitiness.

Take a sip: It’s not too heavy, not too light, just right. Vanilla and caramel sweetness lead the way, with a touch of rye spice and toasty oak adding complexity.

The finish: A satisfying warmth lingers along with hints of caramel and pleasant oak. It’s not the smoothest bourbon out there, but it’s a clear step up from the regular Small Batch.

Is it worth your dough? If you’re a fan of the Small Batch but wish it were smoother, the Toasted Barrel delivers. It’s not top-shelf, but it’s an enjoyable sipper with a unique toasted twist.

Bonus facts:

Aged 8 years, with an extra year in toasted barrels for extra smoothness.
Elijah Craig invented the heavily charred barrels used in bourbon today.
Made by Heaven Hill, a Kentucky family-owned distillery with a long history.

Ready to try it? Cheers!

How do Elijah Craig Small Batch and 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 Stave Independent Company, are made from 18-month air-dried staves that undergo toasting and flash charring.