Are you a bourbon enthusiast looking for a new bottle to add to your collection? Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon are two popular options that you might want to consider. Both bourbons are highly regarded and have won numerous awards, but they have distinct differences in flavor profile, price, and production process.
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a straight bourbon aged for at least 4 years and has a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye. On the other hand, Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is made by Buffalo Trace Distillery and has a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. It is aged for at least 8 years and is distilled using a combination of pot and column stills.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the differences between these two bourbons and help you make an informed decision on which one to choose for your next sip.
Table of Contents
History of Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon
Elijah Craig Small Batch’s History
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Elijah Craig Small Batch is a premium brand of bourbon whiskey produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries in Kentucky. The brand is named after Reverend Elijah Craig, a Baptist preacher who is credited with the process of putting his distillate into charred oak barrels. This process is now a standard practice in the bourbon industry.
Elijah Craig Small Batch was first introduced in 1986 as a 12-year-old bourbon, but in early 2016, Heaven Hill removed the age statement due to supply not meeting demand. The brand is now a blend of bourbons aged between 8 and 12 years.
Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon’s History
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Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is a flagship brand of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. The distillery was built in 1857 and has a rich history of producing high-quality bourbon. Buffalo Trace Bourbon was only released in 1999 as the distillery’s flagship brand.
The brand is named after the Buffalo Trace trail, which was used by American bison as they migrated through the area. The distillery is located on the banks of the Kentucky River, and the water from this river is used in the production of Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon.
Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of 8 years in new charred oak barrels, giving it a deep amber color and a complex flavor profile.
Production Process
Elijah Craig Small Batch’s Production Process
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a bourbon whiskey made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The whiskey is distilled using a combination of pot and column stills, and then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years. The charred oak barrels give the whiskey its distinct flavor profile and amber color.
The production process for Elijah Craig Small Batch begins with the selection of high-quality grains. The grains are then mashed and fermented to create a beer-like liquid called the “distiller’s beer.” This liquid is then distilled to create the whiskey.
After distillation, the whiskey is aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years. During this time, the whiskey takes on the flavors and aromas of the oak barrel, giving it a rich, complex flavor profile. The barrels are stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse to ensure optimal aging conditions.
Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon’s Production Process
Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The whiskey is distilled using a combination of pot and column stills, and then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The charred oak barrels give the whiskey its distinct flavor profile and amber color.
The production process for Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon begins with the selection of high-quality grains. The grains are then mashed and fermented to create a beer-like liquid called the “distiller’s beer.” This liquid is then distilled to create the whiskey.
After distillation, the whiskey is aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. During this time, the whiskey takes on the flavors and aromas of the oak barrel, giving it a rich, complex flavor profile. The barrels are stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse to ensure optimal aging conditions.
Taste Comparison
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When it comes to taste, Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out. Here’s a comparison of the two:
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: This bourbon has a rich and complex flavor profile. The first sip will give you a warm sensation with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. As you continue to sip, you’ll notice a hint of spice and a long, smooth finish. The charred oak casks used in the distillation process give Elijah Craig Small Batch a distinctive smoky flavor.
- Buffalo Trace: This bourbon has a lighter and sweeter taste compared to Elijah Craig Small Batch. The initial sip will give you a fruity and floral flavor with hints of vanilla and toffee. As you continue to sip, you’ll notice a subtle spice and a smooth finish. The combination of pot and column stills used in the distillation process gives Buffalo Trace a unique flavor profile.
When it comes to taste, both Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon are excellent choices. It really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a rich and complex flavor with a smoky finish, then Elijah Craig Small Batch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and sweeter taste with a subtle spice, then Buffalo Trace is the better choice for you.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon, price is certainly a factor to consider. Both bourbons are reasonably priced, but there are some differences to be aware of.
Elijah Craig Small Batch is typically priced slightly higher than Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon, which is priced at $25-$35. However, it’s important to note that Elijah Craig recently dropped its age statement for their small batch to ensure a steady supply, which may impact the price in the future.
On the other hand, Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is known for its great value. It’s priced lower than Elijah Craig Small Batch and is often praised for its quality at such an affordable price point, which is priced at $25-$30
When comparing prices, it’s also important to consider the size of the bottle. Elijah Craig Small Batch is typically sold in a 750ml bottle, while Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is sold in both a 750ml and a 1L bottle. This means that the price per ounce may be lower for Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon if you opt for the larger bottle.
Conclusion
Now that you have compared Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon, you can make an informed decision on which one to purchase. Both bourbons have their unique characteristics and are popular among bourbon enthusiasts.
If you prefer a smoother and sweeter taste, Elijah Craig Small Batch might be the right choice for you. It has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It also has a higher alcohol content, which gives it a warm and spicy finish.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and mellow taste, Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon might be the better option. It has a lighter body and a subtle sweetness with hints of spice and fruit. It’s also more widely available and less expensive than Elijah Craig Small Batch.
