Elijah Craig is one of the most iconic bourbons in the world, and for good reason. Made from a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, it's aged for 12 years in new charred oak barrels. The result is a smooth and complex bourbon with notes of caramel, oak, and spice.
The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is a slightly dfferent version of the original Elijah Craig. While it has the same mash bill as its predecessor, this particular expression is bottled at 94 proof instead of 86 proof. It's also aged for an additional two years in charred white oak barrels that have been lightly toasted on the inside. This process imbues the spirit with an even richer flavor profile than its predecessor—one that is full-bodied and robust with hints of apricot, cinnamon, honey, and cocoa.
No matter which expression you choose to enjoy, you can be sure that you're getting one of the best bourbons available on the market today. The Elijah Craig family offers something for everyone—from novice drinkers to seasoned connoisseurs alike—and its unique mash bill ensures that each sip brings something new to your palate. So if you're looking for a bourbon that will truly stand out from the rest, look no further than Elijah Craig!
Is Elijah Craig a Wheated Bourbon?
No, Elijah Craig is not a wheated bourbon. The mash bill of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is 78% corn, 12% barley and 10% rye, wich omits any wheat. Wheated bourbons are defined as bourbons that have wheat in the mash bill instead of rye, often at the expense of some of the barley. As Elijah Craig does not include wheat in its mash bill, it is not considered to be a wheated bourbon.
The Smoothness of Elijah Craig Small Batch
Yes, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is incredibly smooth and enjoyable. It is carefully distilled at Heaven Hill and its unique blend of flavors creates a smooth finish. The leading notes of caramel, combined with the mint and spicy undertones, provide a complexity that is complemented by the oak flavor notes. This combination of flavors creates a truly enjoyable, smooth experience.
Similar Bourbons to Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a great mid-level Kentucky bourbon, and there are several similar bourbons on the market. Buffalo Trace is one of the best options, as it also comes from a highly respected distillery with a similar mash bill and age. Other good choices include Four Roses Small Batch, Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Maker's Mark. All of thee bourbons share similar characteristics to Elijah Craig Small Batch, such as a comparable ABV, mash bill, and age. There are also other good small batch bourbons available from lesser known distilleries that may offer a more unique flavor profile than Elijah Craig but still retain the same quality. No matter which bourbon you choose, you can be sure that you're getting an excellent spirit with plenty of flavor.
Conclusion
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a 12 year old bourbon whiskey made from a mash bill of 78 percent corn, 12 percent barley and 10 percent rye. It has a rich grain flavor with notes of oak, caramel and vanilla, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or in cocktails. The proof is reltively high at 124-128 (62-64% ABV), so it can be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the flavor. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof makes an excellent addition to any home bar—it's well-balanced, full-bodied and has great complexity.