Elijah Craig vs Evan Williams: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:32 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 vs Evan Williams 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 Evan Williams: Comparison

Elijah Craig: A spicy delight with a hidden sweetness, evoking cozy campfire vibes and bursts of butterscotch. Add a drop of water to unlock its smoother side.

Evan Williams: A budget-friendly bourbon offering sweet honey and caramel notes, with a peppery finish. It’s straightforward, enjoyable, and perfect for casual sipping or mixing.

Similarities: Both Elijah Craig and Evan Williams originate from the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, sharing the same mash bill composed of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.

Key Differences: Evan Williams ages for 4 years and is bottled at 90 proof, whereas Elijah Craig blends bourbons aged 8 to 12 years, bottled at 94 proof, yielding a fuller-bodied bourbon with less water dilution.

Verdict: Elijah Craig charms with its spicy complexity, while Evan Williams offers a sweet and feisty experience on a budget. Choose based on your preference and wallet, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Elijah Craig: Spicy Charmer with Hidden Sweetness

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: Maker’s Mark

First Sniff: Think campfire embers with hints of chocolate, cinnamon, and clove. Bold and inviting!

Spicy Start, Butterscotch Finish: The taste hits with oak spice followed by dark chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, and a citrus zing. The finish packs a warm punch with peppery oak, cinnamon, and clove, but ends with a surprise burst of butterscotch sweetness.

Water Unlocks Its Charm: Add a drop of water to tame the fiery bite and unleash more butterscotch warmth, making it smoother and easier to sip.

Sipping with Patience: While delicious, Elijah Craig requires a bit more focus than other bourbons in its price range. The spicy finish might not suit everyone.

Bonus Booze Buzz: This bourbon pays homage to Elijah Craig, the pioneer of charred-barrel aging. Made with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, it’s a blend of at least 200 casks aged for at least 8 years. While the age statement is gone, the quality remains.

Remember: If you love bold flavors and don’t mind a spicy finish, Elijah Craig offers a unique experience. But for smoother sipping, there might be better options.

Cheers!

Evan Williams: A Sweet & Feisty Bourbon on a Budget

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, honey, ethanol
Palate: Honey, spice, old leather, oak char
Finish: Old leather, oak char, spice
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Four Roses

Sweet Sniff: Honey, caramel, and vanilla greet your nose, with a hint of warmth. Think cozy baking night!

Smooth Sip, Peppery Finish: The taste starts sweet with a touch of leather, like a well-worn saddle. Oak spice tingles, but it’s not overpowering. The finish lingers with warmth, pepper, and that hint of leather again.

Water Makes it Wonderfully Wild: Add a splash of water for extra caramel sweetness and to tone down the spice. This wakes up the bourbon for a livelier experience.

Good Value, No Frills: This bourbon won’t win fancy awards, but it’s honest and enjoyable. And guess what? It’s easy on the wallet! Perfect for casual sippin’ or mixing up budget-friendly cocktails.

Spice Up Your Night: Feeling adventurous? Try Evan Williams with Red Bull for a sweet and spicy twist.

Bonus Booze Buzz: Made with mostly corn, aged 4 years, and born from a Kentucky legend himself, Evan Williams is a true taste of American tradition.

Remember: While Evan Williams is a great budget-friendly choice, there are smoother, more complex bourbons out there if you’re willing to spend more.

Cheers!