Compare
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) +33 proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $100 | ~$45 – $55 ~$35 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
oak 9/5 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).