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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Jim Beam Black
Put Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel next to Jim Beam Black and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +8 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $80 | ~$22 – $28 ~$45 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Jim Beam Black 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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/6 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/6 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
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 with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).