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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Old Forester Statesman
Comparing Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Old Forester Statesman reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$60 – $80 | ~$50 – $55 ~$18 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 Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/5 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
fruit 4/7 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
nuttiness 5/2 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 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.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
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 Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).