Compare
Elijah Craig Small Batch vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Elijah Craig Small Batch next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Small Batch | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +4 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$504 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available 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 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Small Batch Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Elijah Craig Small Batch 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Elijah Craig Small Batch 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Elijah Craig Small Batch 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Small Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Elijah Craig Small Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Small Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: A heavily oak-driven pour for the money, with vanilla bean and brown sugar riding on top of real char and smoke. The extra age shows up as wood depth rather than harshness.
- 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 Small Batch if you want the best oak-forward value on the shelf, with more wood character than its price suggests.
- 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, rocks, old-fashioned (Elijah Craig Small Batch); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).