Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:54 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.
Explore variations between Elijah Craig Small Batch and Wild Turkey 101 in this thorough analysis, and determine your preferred Bourbon!
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 Wild Turkey: Comparison
Elijah Craig Bourbon: Bold, spicy with charred oak, chocolate, and cinnamon. Best with water. 47% ABV. Offers a warm, spicy finish with complexity and intensity.
Wild Turkey 101: Flavorful, affordable. Sweet vanilla, brown sugar, and charred oak. Add water for smoothness. 50.5% ABV. Balances sweetness and spice for a satisfying experience.
Verdict: Elijah Craig appeals to those seeking bold, spicy flavors in bourbon, while Wild Turkey 101 provides excellent value and a well-rounded taste profile, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Bourbons under $30
Elijah Craig Bourbon: Bold Spice and Charred Oak Character
- 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: Angel’s Envy
Bold and spicy profile: Elijah Craig offers a distinct aroma dominated by oak notes, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and subtle chocolate.
On the palate, the oak spice continues to be prominent, accompanied by dark chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch, with a touch of citrus.
The finish is warm and spicy, lingering with oak, cinnamon, black pepper, and clove, balanced by a subtle butterscotch sweetness.
Tip for a smoother experience: While some may enjoy the full intensity, adding a drop of water can enhance the sweetness and slightly reduce the heat, making it more approachable for those who prefer a smoother bourbon.
Decent bourbon, but consider the finish: Overall, Elijah Craig is a good bourbon with a bold and spicy flavor profile.
However, the intense warmth and spiciness in the finish may make it less suitable for casual sipping compared to other options in its price range. Ultimately, it might require a bit more effort to appreciate its unique character.
Interesting facts:
- Elijah Craig is known for its use of heavily charred casks, a technique credited to its namesake distiller.
- It features a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- This bourbon is a blend of 200 casks, each aged for at least 8 years in Kentucky.
- Previously labelled as 12-year-old, the age statement was removed in 2016 to increase availability, while the number of barrels used per batch doubled.
Wild Turkey 101: A Flavorful and Affordable Bourbon
- Nose: Oak, honey, caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice, mint
- Finish: Long, fairly warm, charred oak, old leather
- Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Old Forester 100
Enticing aroma and taste: Wild Turkey 101 greets you with a pleasant sweetness, offering hints of honey, caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it’s smooth and creamy, with notes of vanilla, brown sugar, baking spices, and a touch of mint, all balanced by a warming sensation.
Long and satisfying finish: The finish lingers with a pleasant warmth, dominated by the signature Wild Turkey charred oak character and a touch of old leather.
Balanced and drinkable: Wild Turkey 101 combines sweet and spicy notes for a complex yet easy-to-enjoy experience. Adding a touch of water or an ice ball can further smooth out the taste.
Great value: Wild Turkey 101 offers exceptional quality at an affordable price, making it a strong contender compared to even pricier bourbons.
Key facts:
- Made with 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley
- Aged for at least 5 years in heavily charred casks
- Crafted using non-GMO grains
- Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
- Awarded a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Elijah Craig | $34 |
| Wild Turkey 101 | $27 |