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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Put Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel next to Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against an uncut, high-wheat heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +17 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $80 ~$12 less | ~$78 – $85 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 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 Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/6 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10
heat 4/7 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: Finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel, which produces an unmistakable toasted-marshmallow note. Sweet and heavily wooded, and one of the more distinctive finishes any major producer makes.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel if you want a distinctive toasted-oak, marshmallow-sweet finish you will not find in a standard bourbon at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength).