Compare
Buffalo Trace vs Elijah Craig Small Batch
On paper Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig Small Batch are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (90 vs. 94) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Elijah Craig Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$28 – $35 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Elijah Craig Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/7 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Small Batch 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Small Batch 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Small Batch 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Small Batch 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: A heavily oak-driven pour for the money, with vanilla bean and brown sugar riding on top of real char and smoke. The extra age shows up as wood depth rather than harshness.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
- Go with Elijah Craig Small Batch if you want the best oak-forward value on the shelf, with more wood character than its price suggests.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Elijah Craig Small Batch).