Elijah Craig Small Batch Review

A couple of hundred years ago, Elijah Craig earned the title of the Father of Bourbon for his innovative distilling techniques, many of which are still used today.

His tradition has carried down to modern bourbon makers and resulted in masterpieces, such as the multiple award-winning Elijah Craig Small Batch launched by Heaven Hill Distillery.

Many wonder if giving these grand titles is just a marketing flex or a historical fact. This Elijah Craig Small Batch review will dive into its flavor, the best ways to enjoy it, how it stacks up against other popular drinks, and whether it's worth your money.

A Quick Look at Elijah Craig Small Batch

If you want to get straight into the highlights and not stick around for our ramblings, here’s a quick review of all you need to know about the Elijah Craig Small Batch:

• Classification: Bourbon Whiskey

• Tasting Notes: Honey, marzipan, wildflower, drying oak, woody, spice, smoke, and nutmeg

• Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery

• Proof: 94 proof (47% ABV)

• Pros: Affordable, complex yet well-balanced, delightful aroma, sweet taste, slightly toasty finish.

• Cons: Might be too oaky for some, spice level can surprise rookie bourbon drinkers.

What Is Elijah Craig Small Batch?

Elijah Craig Small Batch is an award-winning bourbon with a spicy, smoky flavor and aroma that embodies what a classic, well-rounded bourbon should taste like.

It sticks to Elijah Craig’s original method of aging in level 3 charred oak barrels, giving it that bold, rich bourbon flavor we can’t get enough of. The Master Distillers then hand-pick each barrel for every batch, making each sip even more special!

This bourbon has a burnished copper appearance and works wonders both neat and in Old Fashioned cocktails.

You can also pair it with various savory and sweet dishes, as we’ll touch on more later. Whether you’re an old-school whiskey lover or a casual enjoyer, this is the bottle you absolutely need on your shelf.

What Is the Alcohol Content of Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch sits at 94 proof (47% ABV), giving the drink a nice kick while remaining warm and drinkable.

Flavor Review: What Does Elijah Craig Small Batch Taste Like?

Let’s start with the first sip: you’re immediately hit with the sweet and rich taste of vanilla and caramel. Right after that comes the kicker. The accents of orange zest, black pepper, cinnamon, and wood spice will sneak up to give a nice little bite.

You’ll then taste the toasted oak with a touch of smokiness before finishing with a long, toasty touch of nutmeg. Some have also noted a hint of mint at the end, which adds another layer of complexity that we all love.

There’s way more depth to this bourbon than you'd expect for the price, and that’s what makes it so great!

How Should You Drink Elijah Craig Small Batch?

The Small Batch is definitely easy to enjoy on its own, but adding a splash of water brings out more of its rich vanilla and caramel flavors. You can even have it on the rocks but be mindful not to lose its rich spice.

Cocktail-wise, we suggest pairing it with an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan to balance out the rich, vanilla notes of the drink. The caramel and spice in this bottle will also mix in well with the tart lemon juice of a Whiskey Sour.

If you want to pair this bottle with food, we recommend trying out steak or smoked BBQ. The caramel and smoky notes will wonderfully complement the char of a good ribeye or brisket. For a sweeter touch, you can balance it out with bitter dark chocolate or match it with the nutty, caramel flavors of a pecan pie.

Is Elijah Craig Small Batch Good?

A hundred percent! This bourbon punches way above its price tag, offering rich flavors and complexity you wouldn’t expect for the cost. It’s definitely one of the best small-batch options out there, and once you try it, you’ll see why so many bourbon lovers swear by it.

It has just the right amount of depth that keeps it from being too overpowering on the senses and enough character to keep all sorts of drinkers happy. You can use it as an everyday drink, a neat option for guests, and a solid gift (more on that in just a bit).

Elijah Craig Small Batch VS. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon?

When trying to decide between Elijah Craig Small Batch and Toasted Barrel Bourbon, you need to figure out how deep you really want to go into the rich, oaky flavors.

Both are fantastic options, but the Toasted Barrel Bourbon doubles down on the toastiness and sweetness. If you’re a fan of richer, dessert-esque bourbons, you’ll lean more towards the latter.

Is Elijah Craig Small Batch a Good Gift?

The classy bottle with the signature Elijah Craig lettering says all you need to know! This is a bourbon you can gift to both newbies and bourbon enthusiasts alike.

Its status as the Best Small Batch in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 and Double Gold from 2021-22 (including Double Gold in the TAG Global Spirits Awards 2024!) certainly adds to the prestige. For the bourbon connoisseur, consider a bourbon subscription for the gift that keeps on giving.

This product has an incredibly reasonable price point as well. By throwing in a bit more cash, you can pair it up with a couple of nice whiskey glasses before handing it over.

Where Can You Buy Elijah Craig Small Batch?

You can buy this bottle at most liquor stores, high-end grocery marts, and renowned online stores like Flaviar. It’s also a staple drink at many good bourbon bars—all you have to do is ask the bartender.

How Much Does Elijah Craig Small Batch Cost?

A single 750ml bottle costs $29.99, but if you buy through a Flaviar Black Membership, you can save 10% and get it at the reduced price of $27.00. You can also unlock many more selective discounts through this membership so we definitely recommend this option.

More Expert Liquor Reviews

Looking for more expert liquor reviews? You’ve come to the right place! For more Bourbon Whiskey, we cover Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond here. If you’re looking for our take on another liquor, like mezcal, we dive into Dos Hombres here.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Review Verdict: Is It Worth Trying?

After going through this review, our verdict is clear—Elijah Craig Small Batch is definitely worth trying. It’s one of the best budget-friendly bourbons you can find that won’t compromise on premium quality.

If you haven't tried it yet, do yourself a favor. Pour a glass or add it to your next cocktail, take a sip, and thank us later!