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It is widely regarded as one of the best bourbons within its price range. I love(d) Elijah Craig for what it was, but if you strip that out, its just another bourbonad there are LOTS of good bourbons for prices in that range. Fit: GOOD, Bill is the Co-Founder, Editor-in Chief, and official Bourbon-o-Phile for ModernThirst.com, and Founder and Chief Blending Officer for Four Gate Whiskey Company. Through this site, I aim to share my knowledge and opinions on Whisky, Whiskey, Bourbon and other liquors, as well as provide tips on how to fully enjoy them. I dont think anyone anticipated this boom 12 years ago. My name is J Highland and I am a bar and liquor shop owner, as well as a Mezcal distiller based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Also Read: Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. The preferred method of savoring the Knob Creek 12-Year-Old is neat, as the addition of water enhances its sweetness but intensifies the oak influence, potentially becoming overwhelming. PVW 23 currently has an MSRP of $269.99, but you will rarely see it for under $2,000. Yes, but theyre not doing this to meet demand, they specifically said theyre doing it to GROW demand. Those familiar with the 9-Year-Old expression will notice shared tasting notes, but its important to note that the 12-Year-Old is significantly richer in oak character due to the additional three years of aging. On the palate, the initial impression deviates from the nose, as a pronounced oak spice takes the forefront. Bourbon of choice- 2-4 oz (but would recommend 2 oz Knob Creek for this one) 1 Oz Cocchi vermouth 3 dashes Angostura bitters 2 Luxardo cherries. ECBP comes in at #7 on our list of overrated whiskeys. Faint hints of condensed milk and caramel. The 23 Best Bourbons to Drink in 2023 - Gear Patrol We havent tasted the non-age stated version of Elijah Craig yet, but it may be the closest in flavor profile to the old option. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of those whiskeys that you always think will taste better than it really does. Elijah Craig is renowned as the pioneer of using heavily charred casks for aging bourbon. All discussions and reviews of Bourbon, Rye, or any American Whiskey are welcome and encouraged (yes, even Jack), as well as any news articles or bourbon-related internet things. The rest of the Heaven Hill line doesnt have that big bold sweetness up front. 2020 ModernThirst. We have also seen ridiculous markups on this comparatively easy to find bottle. Whether youre a seasoned drinker or just starting to explore the world of spirits, I hope my insights and recommendations will enhance your drinking experience. 7, Buffalo Trace Announces E. H. Taylor Amaranth. Heaven Hills big mistake was saying less than a year ago, we will not drop the age statement. It had the best nose, we were stunned that it was drinkable neat (which is questionable with the Knob Creek and highly inadvisable with the Stagg Jr.), and it had the best balance of flavors. The Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon. To really take the place of Elijah Craig, we should examine what makes the old Elijah Craig what it was: So whats a bourbon geek to do? Finish: Caramel, old leather, dried fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, showcasing its 100-proof strength with a pleasant warmth. The finish is lingering, with a combination of spice and mint, offering a touch of rye tingling. Apologies to the aficionados. The next two whiskeys to go head to head in out Distillery Wars Shootout are Elijah Craig and Knob Creek. Elijah Craig Small Batch. Regardless, there is little detectable complexity in this bourbon many releases are straight up fire in a bottle. Whether youre a seasoned drinker or just starting to explore the world of spirits, I hope my insights and recommendations will enhance your drinking experience. On the palate, this whisky presents a decent body, with a fruity sweetness taking the forefront, followed by subtle notes of pear and a hint of oak. The story goes that the Reverend, being too stingy to replace them,filled the burnt barrels with whiskey regardless. Sazerac 18 typically demands the highest price in the Buffalo Antique Collection line. Elijah Craig Small Batch is balanced, with extra maltiness. On the palate, this bourbon offers a creamy body that provides a great mouthfeel. Today is our first ever bourbon blind tasting. "It's got so much caramel, and a beautiful nutmeg note," Minnick says. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Other than a tenuous connection to the Van Winkle line, we dont know. You had to know we would include a Van Winkle on the list. Small Batch. You could find it anywhere. 120+ proof tournament. Round 1 matchup: Elijah Craig vs Knob Creek And a very fine solution indeed. Originally released as a limited edition in the fall of 2019, but became a permanent addition to Knob Creeks lineup in 2020. The Knob Creek 9-year felt rich and oakey. Well try to hunt down a sample to do a Quick Sips soon. ) Elijah Craig: Similar Bourbons & Best Alternatives This line seems to have grown quite a bit in popularity recently, and that likely means a good number of barrels in that 9 year range have been diverted from further aging to make Evan Williams Single Barrel. Im not really angry at them- I have plenty of everyday bourbons I can reach for that are and arent age stated. Elijah Craig vs Knob Creek Discover the differences between Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Knob Creek 9 Year in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You! There was an abundance of fruity flavors throughout the sip. Stated proudly on the label. 2016 International Wine and Spirits Competition. We understand that most people plan to keep their Pappy tightly sealed, but why not spend a ridiculous amount on a bottle that is both rare and delicious (just in case)? This is really about the maximum age most rye-based bourbons should be bottled at. Please read the sub rules before posting. But I doubt I will see one. PRICE - $163 Elijah Craig has been top of my list from early on in my whiskey journey. theres obviously a breaking point there. Knob Creek 9-year vs. Wild Turkey 101 vs. Elijah Craig Small - Reddit Despite its high proof, the Barrel Proof expression is surprisingly approachable, as the heat is not as overpowering as one might anticipate. I have found I typically prefer higher proof stuff, am pretty neutral when it comes to mash bill, and have loved everything from wheated bourbons to straight rye. Elijah Craig Rye vs Knob Creek Rye: (Which Whiskey Wins?) Angels Envy comes in at #10 on our list of overrated whiskeys. They are both technically younger, but also cheaper and often just as good. If you want a solid 10-year bourbon, try Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond for a third of the cost. Round 1: The first think I notice is oak. You Won't Get Pappy This Year, So What Should You Buy? As a result, it's robust. Fit: GOOD, Viability as a replacement for Elijah Craig: FAIR, Small Batch/Single Barrel: This is a batched product, though I would guess Small batch is a stretch. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, mirroring the recipe used by the regular Jim Beam. Read More. Fit: POOR, Age: 9-10 years (for now.) Knob Creek or Woodford Reserve. Now that they can make more EC NAS, I will be looking for a price drop. While it exhibits a warm and oak-spiced finish, it can be greatly improved by adding a dash of water. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Stagg Jr. comes in at #8 on our list of overrated whiskeys. The finish is notably long, with a slightly drying sensation. Similar batch size or age are meaningless to compare since the taste is so different. With my extensive experience in the industry, I have had the pleasure of tasting hundreds of different liquors, perhaps more than I should have. 1. Every year Michters comes out their 10-year bourbon and rye and people clamor over the opportunity to pay over $100 for a moderately aged and proofed product. This whiskey is labeled as Patiently Aged which is a nice way of implying that it does not have an age statement. Not a harsh bourbon by any means, but it will drink hotter than Elijah Craig. While previously bearing a 12-year age statement, the decision was made in 2016 to remove it, allowing for wider availability of this exceptional bourbon. However, the finish brings so more sweetness to the front. I'm going to ignore price differences for the moment. Cheers! Which one is your favourite? GlenDronach vs Glenfiddich: (Which Whisky Wins?) Water makes it easier drinking. Reddit, Inc. 2023. It is well-balanced, has a beautiful finish, and packs just the right. I know it's all subjective, but I'm not going to be able to sample the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (found it locally for $75 which I hear is a bit high) for before I buy it, so I'm looking to solicit opinions. Crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery along the Evan Williams, Larceny, Rittenhouse Rye, Pikesville, among many others. Once again, Jim Murray makes a controversial selection for his whiskey of the year by choosing E.H. Taylor Four Grain for the 2017 award. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. My guess (and it is just a guess) is that the new Craig Rye is somewhat older than Pikesville, but not substantially so. All things considered, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a bourbon that is well worth acquiring for your collection. Seems to fit the bill as far as your stated criteria. Elijah Craig or Evan Williams? Be sure to hit that subscribe button! Knob Creek takes its name from the water stream that ran through Abe Lincolns childhood farm. Apple Pie, Flapjacks with maple syrup and bacon. By Jim Vorel | May 11, 2020 | 10:30am Photos via Knob Creek, Jim Beam Drink Features whiskey When the demand for bourbon causes even the likes of Jim Beam to reassess and alter the age statements. Excellent suggestion! Bourbon of choice- 2-4 oz. Heres our suggestions along with how well each fits into the requirements above. Seems like it could fit using your criteria. Fit: POOR, Availability: Pretty easy to fuind at any good liquor store. What about Wild Turkey Russells Reserve as an alternative? Bourbon Blind Taste Battleground: Jim Beam, Knob Creek & Elijah Craig The contents in the mash are not disclosed but the rye content is just over the minimum of 51% required by law. ago So after getting (rightly) roasted for how much I'd willingly pay for HMcK10 in my last review, I received some helpful recommendations for Knob's offerings which made me realize I don't think I've ever had a bottle from that line at all. Evan Williams should be very close to the Elijah Craig ballpark, maybe the best option, given its common DNA. There will be some variability from bottle to bottle, but this line has generally been well received and very tasty. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; It makes me sad that Im even suggesting such a thing!!! Elijah Craig Rye Nose: Vanilla, sweet grain, baking spice Palate: Oak char, spice, sweet cereal Finish: Long, rye spice, mint Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV) How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails Type above and press Enter to search. Craig of the Creek (TV Series 2018-2023) - IMDb I enjoy pronounced oaky and spicy flavors. Elmer T. Lee died on July 16, 2013 at the age of 93 and the bourbon community proceeded to lose its mind. I just dont see your average JD or Jim Beam purchaser switching to EC. . We also think there are several bottles more worthy of 2017s best, most notably the highly regarded Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition Al Youngs 50th Anniversary. . In fact, we prefer the cheaper, widely available Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon to nearly every OFBB we have sampled. Learn how your comment data is processed. With Philip Solomon, Michael Croner, Nol Wells, Ben Levin. Hit the jackpot. If you were at a. They are both technically younger, but also cheaper and often just as good. Fit: EXCELLENT, Age: 10 Years. These two amazing bourbons will battle it out for the top spot!If you want to check out any of the other videos in this series check out the playlist below.Distillery Wars: Workhorse Whiskey Shootout Playlisthttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmAjR8KSeIaxHJaxLMveB2ntCtsWSMFvJIf you have a suggestion for a whiskey you would like to see reviewed, send me an email. None of them are perfect, but theyre both comparable on paper. The Down Home bottle is not that expensive, coming in at $68 after tax, but it's only available in Kentucky. This trend regrettably continued, leading to shortages and drastic increases in retail prices (we have seen it as high as $150!). Comparing these two bourbons side by side, I liked the Elijah . While this whiskey is enjoyable when sipped neat, the addition of a large ice cube can enhance the drinking experience. But how different are these two releases when you compare them side by side? did a taste test with this, Elijah Craig 12 and evan williams SB vintage. Harlan Wheatley stated in How the best is doneKentucky Bourbon Trail that Buffalo Trace was 40 barrels or less. The Knob Creek Rye achieves a commendable balance between the spice of the rye, the influence of the wood, and the presence of dark fruit flavors. Tuesday Toss Up: Elijah Craig 18 vs Knob Creek 18! Whoa! On the palate, the Barrel Proof expression exhibits a full-bodied character, initially imparting a warm sensation that is to be expected from its impressive 120 proof strength, yet it remains remarkably smooth and avoids any harshness. 10 Bourbons You Need to Try - Food & Wine Admittedly, this isn't a blind comparison, but there's still a lot to learn from this. The Elijah Craig starts spicy on the nose and has a pepper bite on the palate. 11 Best Bourbons for an Old Fashioned - Of Whiskey and Words Alternatively, adding a large ice ball provides a balanced experience. Every year Michters comes out their 10-year bourbon and rye and people clamor over the opportunity to pay over $100 for a moderately aged and proofed product. At $30, Elijah Craig was within the grasp of most consumers. While Knob Creek shines as a sipping whiskey, I personally prefer bolder, spicier options for crafting cocktails. EDIT #2: Added at the suggestion of Keith in our Comments section below: Batch/Single Barrel: Small Batch. This post was a response to the inquiries I got asking for suggestions for an alternative. The Evan Williams starts with sweeter spice like vanilla and cinnamon but ends in a more spicy note than the Elijah Craig. . Bourbon Discussion. Finished that and am looking to replace it with a bourbon. thats duplicitous. Flavors of oak, cherries, and caramel dominate the palate, with little to no burn experienced. Nose: Roasted peanuts, caramel, oak, brown sugar, Palate: Oak spice, dark chocolate, peanuts, cherry. Cheers! Comparing Old Fashioneds with Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig, and - Reddit Are people just lured in by the Stagg name? The finish is long and warmly satisfying, characterized by notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, dried fruit, and a subtle hint of rubber in the background. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; ECBP is not a bad whiskey by any means, but it feels like it could be so much better. Just to be clear we are NOT saying these whiskeys are bad we are saying they are overrated. Buffalo Trace is a good option, but the lack of any age statement means theres no guarantee there. In fact, it ranked behind the much easier to locate Larceny, which outscored it in every category (nose, palate, and finish). As such, other rye whiskeys with a more pronounced character might be preferred for those cocktail creations. Best Splurge Bourbon. $40 AT MASHANDGRAPE.COM. Fit: POOR, Availability: For a premium, its likely one of the easiest to find. I love my Wild Turkey and Russells Reserve so EC may sadly get pushed back to an occasional substitute instead of an everyday dram. Its a muted version of an aged Buffalo Trace product, where the barrel flavors are certainly muted, and the caramel flavors from Buffalo Trace are present, though they dont pop as they did in the single barrel days. While neither was a sole determinant, cost and collector appeal/hype were also taken into consideration when making final decisions. https://bourbonsippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bsnewlogo-300x176.png, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon Review, https://bourbonsippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/George-Dickel-Bottled-In-Bond.jpg, Head-to-Head Tennessee Titans: George Dickel Bottled in Bond vs. Jack Daniel's Old No. Cheap Bourbons With The Same Mash Bills As Expensive Expressions - UPROXX Quite a long finish and ends in notes of spicy pepper and lemon peel. Scan this QR code to download the app now. The proof was there but not overwhelming. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Knob Creek 12: Which Wins? Michters 10 yearcomes in at #5 on our list of overrated whiskeys. Aged about 9 years and then hand-selected by the Master Distiller and bottled as a Single Barrel bottling. The nose of this whiskey is characterized by notes of vanilla, accompanied by a pleasant sweetness from the grains, and a subtle touch of baking spice. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. However, adding a drop of water enhances the experience by introducing sweetness and reducing the heat and peppery character. Review #5: Knob Creek 9 Year : r/bourbon - Reddit Share. Unlike blanton's, however, Knob Creek has a very affordable price tag. I have plenty of bourbons Im happy to drink- including Evan Williams Single Barrel. That means more FR small batch and Knob Creek for me. The idea that this will be an 8-12 year bourbon is silly anyway. And Ill probably grab some Knob Creek and Eagle Rare. That really leaves three contenders- Evan Williams Single Barrel, Eagle Rare, and Knob Creek. Eagle Rare, while not the flavor bomb it used to be, is still a good sip. KC and EC are roughly the same price in my region, but WT is cheaper. The nose of Knob Creek greets you with hints of ripe cherries, followed by layers of vanilla, caramel, oak, and a hint of spice from the rye. Sazerac 18 comesin at #2 on our list of overrated whiskeys. Both these bourbons are from Louisville in Kentucky and are the two flagship brands for the company. From a business standpoint, I think theyre making a mistake. Learn how your comment data is processed. Water softens the spicy notes and smooths the citrus. However, as you allow the whiskey to develop on your palate, you are rewarded with layers of flavors, including bitter chocolate, cherry, oak, and the signature peanut characteristic found in every release crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery. Looking to replace Elijah Craig as your go-to bourbon? Reply. Elijah Craig vs Knob Creek - Whisky, Whiskey & Bourbon It seems that this was also the general feedback from friends on Twitter and Instagram. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Fit: GOOD, Proof: At 90 proof, this is pretty comparable to Elijah Craig. I think most of the anger does stem from their steadfast denial less than a year ago that this was happening. Small Batch: Knob Creek, like Elijah Craig, is a small batch bourbon. The over-oaked 23 year isnt even the best of the lineup the 15 year is a far superior pour. Most major distilleries have a small batch product, such as the popular Four Roses Small Batch or Elijah Craig Small Batch.While Knob Creek delivers its own unique flavor profile compared to others, it's also not one that stands out head and shoulders above the competition - or at least as much as it used to. Required fields are marked *. There was a slightly bitter after taste. Elija Craig is presented in its uncut and unfiltered form, a deliberate choice to preserve its full range of flavors and deliver a robust drinking experience. Top 10 Most Overrated Whiskeys - Bourbon Sippers All discussions and reviews of Bourbon, Rye, or any American Whiskey are welcome and encouraged (yes, even Jack), as well as any news articles or bourbon-related internet things. Palate Comparison: Two Perspectives on Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Spicy pepper and cinnamon mixed with oak and bits of fruit. There is little warmth present, allowing the flavors to gently fade away. Please read the sub rules before posting. However, the distinction between the two is rather minimal, and it can be seen as a marginal improvement at best, especially considering its higher price point. Discover the differences between Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Knob Creek 9 Year in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You! Now that we wont explicitly know how old the whiskey in the bottle is, Elijah Craig has gone from a largely unique item in the marketplace to just another label. Knob Creek stands as a robust bourbon, free from any off-notes, and showcases a dense and creamy body that almost invites chewing. While Knob Creek 12-Year Old is certainly not a disappointment, there are other bottles within the brand that offer even greater quality, such as the Single Barrel, which stands as the best of Knob Creeks offerings and deserves your attention. He attended the University of Kentucky in the mid to late 1990s. Still, the Elijah Craig 12 Year Barrel Strength was the unquestionable winner. The farther they get from that 12 year statement, the lower the percentage of 12 year bourbon that will be in that mix will be- especially if theyre Growing the brand. Every barrel of 8 year they dump into it is a barrel that will no longer continue to age for 4 more years. I love Elijah Craig, but dislike Buffalo Trace because it is a completely different taste profile. Four Roses Single Barrel "My favorite single barrel bourbon is Four Roses Single Barrel," says blues rocker Katie Buchanan. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bourbonsipper-20"; If you were at a liquor store and had the ability to buy only one of these, which one are you going with?Help support The Average Drinker on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theaveragedrinkerThe Average Drinker Merch Shop: https://www.zazzle.com/store/theaveraThank you so much for all your support! There are notes of citrus peel, candy apple and warm oak. Proof. Fit: EXCELLENT, Age: Not Stated, but probably between 4 and 6 years. Typically though, Knob is ~$5 more than EC12 around here, at which point I can't really justify choosing it. Michters 10 yearcomes in at #5 on our list of overrated whiskeys. It just felt muted, probably due to the lower proof. Pappy Van Winkle 23 year tops the list as #1 on our list of overrated whiskeys. Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Bourbon Towards the end, a touch of butterscotch sweetness emerges. So why is W12 nearly impossible to find? Made from a mash bill comprised of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. With its well-rounded nature and bold flavors, this offering from Elijah Craig is undeniably satisfying. $40 AT MASHANDGRAPE.COM. The first sip delivers a soothing warmth, accompanied by pronounced flavors of vanilla, oak, rich chocolate, a touch of cherry, and the distinctive roasted peanut note found in whiskeys crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Knob Creek Small Batch Review - The Whiskey Jug Elijah Craig bourbon is named after a Baptist preacher who lived in Kentucky in the 19th century, widely known as the .