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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | 12 years |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) +34 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $100 ~$450 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 7/3 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).