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Buffalo Trace vs Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
On paper Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$60 – $80) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ~$39 less | ~$60 – $80 |
- 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 Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/9 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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 Toasted Barrel: Finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel, which produces an unmistakable toasted-marshmallow note. Sweet and heavily wooded, and one of the more distinctive finishes any major producer makes.
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 Toasted Barrel if you want a distinctive toasted-oak, marshmallow-sweet finish you will not find in a standard bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel).