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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Comparing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$70 – $100 vs. ~$200 – $300).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | 13 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $100 ~$165 less | ~$200 – $300 |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 4/6 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
heat 9/8 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own 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 at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak.
Best enjoyed neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).