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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Comparing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) +13 proof | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $100 | ~$78 – $85 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 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
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
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Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/6 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
heat 9/7 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: The uncut, unfiltered version of the same 12-year Heaven Hill juice, and the intensity is the whole point. Thick fudge and char with cinnamon heat, a genuinely long finish, and enough proof that water meaningfully changes the glass.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you want maximum intensity and oak depth, and you want to control the dilution yourself.
- Go with Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength).