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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Comparing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a modern, wheated craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years +8 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) +37 proof | 87 proof (43.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$70 – $100 | ~$40 – $45 ~$43 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- 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.
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10
spice 7/2 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 2 out of 10
oak 9/4 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 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.
- Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon: A farm-to-bottle wheater from northern Illinois. Soft red winter wheat keeps it gentle and bready, with caramel and vanilla up front and very little bite at 87 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 with an older age statement.
- Go with Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon if you want a soft, easygoing wheated bourbon made start to finish on one Midwest farm at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); rocks, highball, cocktails (Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon).