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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
On paper Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Michter's US*1 Small Batch are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$60 – $80 vs. ~$45 – $55) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +3 proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $80 | ~$45 – $55 ~$20 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/5 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/4 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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.
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).