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 Small Batch vs Four Roses Small Batch in this in-depth comparison and decide which is better!
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 Four Roses: Comparison
Elijah Craig: Bold oak aroma with chocolate and spice notes, finishes with pepper and vanilla. Water tames its intensity, ideal for adventurous palates or cocktails.
Four Roses: Sweet vanilla-cherry aroma, creamy palate with caramel and spice, finishes smoothly with burnt caramel. Smooth enough to sip neat, offers excellent value.
Key Difference: The main difference between Elijah Craig and Four Roses is their mash bills, with Elijah Craig containing 10% rye and Four Roses having around 25%, resulting in Four Roses’ pronounced spiciness.
Verdict: Both whiskies offer unique experiences. Elijah Craig for bold oak and spice lovers, and Four Roses for smooth sweetness seekers with a kiss of rye spice, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Recommended Bourbons under $30
Elijah Craig: Oaky Charmer with a Peppery Punch
- 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: Eagle Rare
Elijah Craig entices with an oaky aroma and intriguing flavors, but be prepared for a spicy finish. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Bold Oak Nose: First sniff reveals powerful oak, followed by hints of chocolate, cinnamon, and clove – think warm spices in a cozy cabin.
2. Oak Spice on the Palate: Oak takes center stage again, joined by chocolate, butterscotch, and citrus hints. It’s bold and spicy, not for the faint of heart.
3. Long & Peppery Finish: Get ready for a warming wave with oak, cinnamon, black pepper, and clove dominating. A touch of butterscotch adds sweetness, but the heat lingers.
4. Sipping with Caution: While the nose and taste are interesting, the finish can be intense. A splash of water helps tame the spice and unlocks sweeter notes.
5. Not Your Everyday Sipper: Compared to others in its price range, Elijah Craig requires more effort to enjoy neat. Consider it for adventurous palates or mixing in cocktails.
Bonus Facts:
- Pioneered heavily charred barrel aging, giving it that distinct oaky character.
- Made with a unique corn, rye, and malted barley blend.
- Aged for at least 8 years, ensuring complexity.
- No longer carries an age statement, offering wider availability.
Elijah Craig is a bold bourbon with a fiery side. If you enjoy intense oak and spice, give it a shot.
Sweet Surprise: Dive into Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, baking spice
- Finish: Long, burnt caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Larceny Small Batch
Craving a smooth bourbon with surprising depth? Look no further than Four Roses Small Batch! Here’s why it might be your new go-to:
1. Alluring Aroma: Imagine sweet vanilla and delicate cherry mingling with hints of oak. That’s the inviting aroma that greets you with Four Roses.
2. Creamy & Balanced: Take a sip and discover a rich, creamy mouthfeel bursting with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of rye spice. Oak whispers in the background, adding complexity.
3. Finishes Smooth: The long finish is a delight, leaving a pleasant kiss of burnt caramel without any harsh bite.
4. Sweet & Spicy Symphony: This bourbon strikes a beautiful harmony between sweet and spicy notes, offering a range of pleasant surprises with each sip.
5. Sipping Sensation: Forget the ice! Four Roses is smooth enough to enjoy neat, letting you savor all its nuances.
6. Upgrade from Yellow Label: If you’re familiar with Four Roses Yellow Label, prepare to be amazed! The Small Batch is a significant step up in both flavor and smoothness.
7. Daily Delight: This bourbon offers fantastic value for money, making it a perfect choice for everyday sipping.
Bonus Facts:
- Crafted from a blend of 4 unique Kentucky bourbons, each with its own personality.
- Aged for at least 4 years, ensuring depth and character.
- Owned by the Kirin Brewery Company, bringing a touch of Japanese precision to American craftsmanship.
Ready to explore the delicious world of Four Roses Small Batch? Give it a try and discover your new favorite bourbon!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | $34 |
| Four Roses Small Batch | $39 |