If you’re a whiskey lover, you’ve probably heard of Elijah Craig Smasedr ll Batch and Buffalo Trace. These two bourbons are both highly regarded in the whiskey community and are often compared to each other. So, which one is better? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Buffalo Trace to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
History Of Elijah Craig And Buffalo Trace
Elijah Craig’s History
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Elijah Craig is a bourbon brand that was introduced in 1986 as a 12-year-old bourbon. The brand is named after Reverend Elijah Craig, who is credited with being the first person to age whiskey in charred oak barrels. According to legend, he accidentally discovered the process of charring barrels after a fire burned down his distillery and charred the barrels that were left behind. He then used these charred barrels to age his whiskey, which resulted in a smoother and more flavorful product.
Buffalo Trace’s History
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Buffalo Trace is another popular bourbon brand that has been around since 1773. The brand is named after the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery has a long and storied history, and it has been in operation since the late 1700s. It has survived numerous wars, Prohibition, and other challenges over the years, and it is now one of the most popular bourbon brands in the world.
The Buffalo Trace brand is known for its smooth and mellow flavor, which is achieved by aging the whiskey in oak barrels for at least eight years. The brand also has a reputation for being affordable and accessible, making it a popular choice among bourbon drinkers of all levels of experience.
Production Process
Elijah Craig’s Production Process
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a bourbon that is made using a traditional process that has been passed down for generations. The process begins with the selection of the finest grains, including corn, rye, and barley. These grains are then mashed and fermented using a proprietary yeast strain that is unique to Elijah Craig.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled using a copper pot still. The resulting spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years. The charred oak barrels give the bourbon its distinctive flavor and color.
Elijah Craig Small Batch is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) and is non-chill filtered. This means that the bourbon is bottled at its natural strength and retains all of its natural flavors and aromas.
Buffalo Trace’s Production Process
Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is made using a unique process that combines traditional methods with modern technology. The process begins with the selection of the finest grains, including corn, rye, and barley. These grains are then mashed and fermented using a proprietary yeast strain that is unique to Buffalo Trace.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled using a combination of a copper pot still and a column still. This allows for greater control over the distillation process and results in a more consistent product.
The resulting spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The charred oak barrels give the bourbon its distinctive flavor and color.
Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) and is chill filtered. This means that the bourbon is filtered at a low temperature to remove any impurities and to create a smoother, more refined product.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace have distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of the flavors you can expect from each:
Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Nose: You’ll notice a sweet aroma with hints of vanilla, fruit, and mint.
- Palate: The sweetness continues on the palate, with flavors of brown sugar, honey, and nutmeg. There’s also a subtle spiciness that balances out the sweetness.
- Finish: The finish is long and sweet, with notes of oak and caramel lingering on the tongue.
Buffalo Trace
- Nose: Buffalo Trace has a lighter aroma, with notes of vanilla, mint, and molasses.
- Palate: On the palate, you’ll taste flavors of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice. The spice is more pronounced than in Elijah Craig Small Batch, with a peppery kick.
- Finish: The finish is smooth and long, with a serious depth.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace, price is a factor that many people consider. Both bourbons are affordable and offer good value for money, but there are some differences in their pricing.
On average, Elijah Craig Small Batch is slightly more expensive than Buffalo Trace. According to Bourbon Inspector, Elijah Craig is regularly offered at $32 – $34 per 750 ml, while Buffalo Trace is usually priced at $35. However, the price of Buffalo Trace can vary depending on your location, and in some regions where they get less Buffalo Trace, the price for this spirit can be driven up to $50 or even $60 for 750 ml.
Despite these price differences, both Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace offer good value for money. Elijah Craig is a bit more expensive, but it is also aged for 12 years, which gives it a more complex flavor profile. On the other hand, Buffalo Trace is aged for around 8 years, but it still has a smooth and mellow taste that makes it a popular choice among bourbon enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between Elijah Craig Small Batch and Buffalo Trace comes down to personal preference. Both bourbons have their strengths and weaknesses, and both offer a unique taste experience.
If you’re looking for a sweeter and smoother bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch is the way to go. It has a rich, caramel flavor with notes of vanilla and oak. On the other hand, if you prefer a spicier and more complex bourbon, Buffalo Trace is the better choice. It has a bold, full-bodied flavor with hints of cinnamon, pepper, and toffee.
Price-wise, both bourbons are relatively affordable and offer excellent value for money. However, Buffalo Trace can be harder to find in some regions, which may drive up the price.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with either Elijah Craig Small Batch or Buffalo Trace. They are both excellent bourbons that offer a unique taste experience. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting, you’re sure to enjoy either of these bourbons. So, go ahead and try them both and see which one you prefer.
