Elijah Craig vs Woodford Reserve

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:18 pm

Explore the distinctions between Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve in this comprehensive analysis to determine the superior bourbon for your preference!

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 Woodford Reserve: Comparison

Elijah Craig: A complex bourbon with a spicy kick, featuring notes of wood, chocolate, and warm spices. Its finish is robust with oak spice and vanilla, but adding water reveals a sweeter, smoother character. Ideal for those willing to explore its depths.

Woodford Reserve: Offers a smooth and inviting sip with a harmonious blend of mint, honey, and ripe fruit against a backdrop of sweet oak. Its finish is satisfyingly warm, making it accessible for both beginners and aficionados.

Verdict: Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve cater to different palates; Elijah Craig intrigues with its complexity and spicy edge, while Woodford Reserve provides a consistently smooth experience, appealing to a broad audience with its balanced sweetness and minimal heat, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Bourbons that taste like Woodford Reserve

Elijah Craig: A Spicy Sipper with Sweet Potential

• 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

Aroma: Elijah Craig opens with a pleasant oak scent, followed by hints of warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and even a touch of chocolate.

Taste: The first sip introduces a dominant oak flavor, balanced by notes of bitter chocolate, vanilla, sweet butterscotch, and a hint of citrus.

Finish: The finish is warm and boozy, with a spicy kick of cinnamon, black pepper, and clove. A touch of sweetness from the butterscotch emerges later, but the spicy bite lingers.

My take: Elijah Craig boasts a delightful aroma and enjoyable taste profile. However, the finish might feel hot and spicy for some, detracting slightly from the overall experience.

Tip: Adding a drop of water can unlock Elijah Craig’s hidden sweetness. It helps tame the peppery bite and allows more of the smooth butterscotch notes to shine through.

Overall: While not necessarily a bad bourbon, Elijah Craig requires a bit more effort to appreciate compared to others in its price range. The complexity might not appeal to everyone, and mastering its unique spice requires some patience.

Extra: Made with corn, rye, and malted barley, Elijah Craig is aged for at least eight years in Kentucky barrels. It has received various accolades, including a 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Key points:

• Spicy finish with potential sweetness unlocked by adding water
• Complex flavor profile
• Requires some persistence compared to other bourbons in its price range
• Aged for at least eight years in Kentucky
• Received various awards and accolades

Woodford Reserve: Smooth Sipping for Beginners and Beyond

• Nose: Rich in mint, honey, vanilla, citrus
• Palate: Sweet oak, cinnamon, mint, ripe fruit
• Finish: Lingering warmth and caramel
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Gentleman Jack

Aroma: Woodford Reserve welcomes you with a complex and inviting scent. Mint, honey, vanilla, and citrus mingle with the brand’s signature toasty oak.

Taste: The first sip reveals a well-balanced harmony of sweetness and spice, complemented by a smooth oaky presence. The initial spice gives way to a delightful fruity sweetness, creating a pleasant journey for your palate.

Finish: The finish is long and smooth, leaving a satisfying aftertaste with hints of caramel and toasted oak. Unlike some bourbons, there’s minimal heat, making it a comfortable experience.

Overall: Woodford Reserve delivers a smooth and balanced experience, perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It’s a versatile option that caters to both new and seasoned whiskey drinkers. The lack of harshness and the touch of cinnamon spice make it a dependable choice for everyday enjoyment.

Tip: While Woodford Reserve shines for sipping, for those seeking a bolder option for cocktails, consider Woodford Rye. Its higher rye content adds a powerful kick and depth, elevating your mixed drinks.

Extra: Woodford Reserve uses corn, rye, and barley in their mash bill, and the rye gives it a subtle spicy touch. It’s aged for seven years, with a unique temperature-controlled process for consistent flavor. This bourbon has also received recognition, winning gold and double gold medals at prestigious competitions.

Key points:

• Smooth and balanced flavor profile
• Great for sipping (neat or on ice)
• Versatile for beginners and experienced drinkers
• Woodford Rye offers a bolder option for cocktails
• Aged for seven years with a unique temperature-controlled process
• Award-winning bourbon

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Elijah Craig	$34
Woodford Reserve	$40