Compare
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Put Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel next to Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +16 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$60 – $80 | ~$55 – $70 ~$8 less |
- 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.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/8 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 4/7 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line 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.
- Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
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 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).