If you’re a bourbon lover, you know that Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve are two of the most popular brands out there. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey to help you decide which one to add to your home bar. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve. We’ll examine their taste profiles, price points, and histories to help you make an informed decision about which one to choose.

History of Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Elijah Craig is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that’s known for its smooth, rich flavor. It’s made from a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and aged for at least 8 years in new charred oak barrels. On the other hand, Woodford Reserve is also a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that’s made from a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and aged for at least 6-7 years in new charred oak barrels. Both brands have their own unique flavors and characteristics, so it’s important to know what sets them apart.

Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s History

photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named after the Baptist preacher, educator, and entrepreneur, Reverend Elijah Craig. Craig founded a distillery in Fayette County, Virginia, which became Scott County, Kentucky, following Kentucky statehood in 1792. In approximately 1789, Craig became the first distiller to age his whiskey in new charred oak barrels. Some claim that an accidental fire charred his barrels and changed the whiskey inside, while others say he stored his whiskey in former sugar barrels and was impressed with how charring improved the flavor.

Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery, which was founded in 1935 in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand is known for its rich and full-bodied flavor, which is achieved through a process of aging the whiskey for 8-12 years in new charred oak barrels.

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s History

photo credit: www.wallpaperflare.com

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 1800s. The history started when Elijah Pepper began using corn to distill whiskey. In 1812, he moved the distillation to Glenn’s Creek, which is Woodford’s site until today. The distillery has gone through several changes of ownership over the years, but it has always maintained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbon whiskey.

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced by the Woodford Reserve Distillery, which is located in Versailles, Kentucky. The brand is known for its unique flavor profile, which is achieved through a process of triple distillation and aging the whiskey in new charred oak barrels. The distillery also uses a proprietary yeast strain and a unique water source to create a distinct flavor that is unlike any other bourbon whiskey on the market.

Production Process

Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s Production Process

Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted using four essential elements: grain, water, fire, and time. The mash bill for Elijah Craig is 10% rye, 78% corn, and 12% malted barley. The process starts by firing new oak barrels for 40 seconds to achieve the third-level char. This process results in an aromatic, rich, and warm spice flavor profile.

The mash bill is then mixed with limestone-filtered water and cooked to create a sweet, syrupy liquid called mash. Yeast is added to the mash to start the fermentation process, which takes about 4-6 days. After fermentation, the mash is distilled twice in copper pot stills to create a clear, high-proof spirit.

The clear spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of 8 years. The aging process gives Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon Whiskey its signature caramel color and complex flavor profile. The barrels are stored in rickhouses, where they are exposed to the changing Kentucky weather. This exposure to heat and cold causes the whiskey to expand and contract, which allows it to absorb more flavors from the wood.

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s Production Process

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a mash bill of 18% rye, 72% corn, and 10% barley. The production process starts with a unique triple distillation process, which is rare for bourbon whiskey. The triple distillation process creates a smooth and refined spirit with a distinct flavor profile.

After distillation, the clear spirit is aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of 6 years. The barrels are stored in temperature-controlled warehouses, which allows for a consistent aging process. Woodford Reserve also uses a unique maturation process called the “flavor wheel.” This process involves rotating barrels to different locations in the warehouse to expose them to different temperatures and humidity levels. This process creates a complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.

Taste Comparison

When it comes to taste, both Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve have their unique characteristics that make them stand out from each other. Here’s a closer look at how they compare:

• Elijah Craig: This bourbon is known for its rich and full-bodied flavor. It has a sweet taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch. You’ll also notice a touch of spice and oakiness that gives it a warm and cozy feel. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers in your mouth.
• Woodford Reserve: On the other hand, Woodford Reserve has a more complex flavor profile. It has a nose of mint, honey, vanilla, and citrus, with a toasty oak scent that characterizes the brand. Once tasted, it presents a well-balanced combination of sweetness and spice, with a balanced oak presence. The initial spicy notes smoothly transition to a pleasant fruity sweetness.

In terms of alcohol content, Elijah Craig has a 94-proof alcohol content, which is higher than Woodford Reserve’s 90.4-proof alcohol content. If you love high-proof spirits, you’ll love Elijah Craig’s bold and intense flavor.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve are relatively similar, with only a few dollars difference between them. Elijah Craig typically sells for around $34.99, while Woodford Reserve is priced at approximately $39.99.

However, it’s worth noting that Elijah Craig offers a slightly higher alcohol content than Woodford Reserve. Elijah Craig has a 94-proof alcohol content, while Woodford Reserve has a 90.4-proof alcohol content. If you’re someone who loves high-proof spirits, Elijah Craig may be the better choice for you.

In terms of value for money, it’s a close call between the two. Elijah Craig’s lower price point may make it more appealing to those on a budget, but Woodford Reserve’s slightly higher price may be worth it for those who prefer a smoother, more refined taste.

Conclusion

So, which bourbon is better between Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve?

Elijah Craig is a more robust and complex bourbon with a higher alcohol content. It is a great choice for those who enjoy a bold and intense flavor profile. On the other hand, Woodford Reserve is a smoother and more approachable bourbon with a balanced flavor profile. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more mellow and easy-drinking bourbon.

If you are looking for a bourbon that is easy to drink and has a nice balance of flavors, then Woodford Reserve is a great choice. It is a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. However, if you want a bourbon with more complexity and a higher alcohol content, then Elijah Craig is the way to go.

Overall, both Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve are excellent bourbons that are worth trying. They are both high-quality, premium bourbons that are sure to impress even the most discerning bourbon connoisseur.