The Bourbon Budget King: Elijah Craig Small Batch 🏆🥃

If you’ve got $50 burning a hole in your pocket and a thirst for a world-class pour, let me introduce you to a bourbon that punches way above its weight—Elijah Craig Small Batch.

Named after the reverend who (allegedly) invented charring barrels for aging whiskey, this beauty is a staple on my shelf. Smooth, rich, and dripping with caramel and oak, it’s the kind of bourbon that makes you wonder why you’d ever spend more.

And the best part? It’s only #2 on our list of the best bourbons under $50. That means next week, we’re unveiling the #1 spot, along with deep dives on:

🥃 #3 Buffalo Trace 🦬💎
🌹 #4 Four Roses Small Batch 🥀
🏅 #5 Old Forester 100 💥

Stay tuned! But first, let’s talk about this week’s standout pour.

The Weekly Pour: Elijah Craig Small Batch – A Bourbon with Backbone

Elijah Craig Small Batch isn’t just another bottle on the shelf—it’s a bourbon drinker’s bourbon. Bold but balanced, smooth but structured, it’s what I reach for when I want something classic but with a little edge.

🔹 Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla

• Palate: Buttery toffee, baking spices, and a touch of smoke

• Finish: Long and warm, with lingering cinnamon and oak

At 94 proof, it’s got enough punch to hold its own in cocktails, but it’s so good neat that you might just forget about the ice.

Distiller’s Diary: A Visit to Heaven Hill

A few years back, I found myself in Bardstown, Kentucky, home to Heaven Hill Distillery, the birthplace of Elijah Craig. Walking into the rickhouse, the first thing that hit me was that unmistakable aroma of aging bourbon—vanilla, oak, and history swirling in the air.

I met a seasoned distiller there, a guy named Hank, who’d been working at Heaven Hill since the ‘90s. He took me through a tasting and, with a twinkle in his eye, said, "People talk about smooth bourbon, but a great one should have character. Elijah Craig? It’s got just the right bite—lets you know it’s still got a backbone."

After the tasting, Hank leaned in and said, "You ever tried the Toasted Barrel?"

Now, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon isn’t a budget bottle—it usually runs around $99. But right now, it’s on sale for $59.99 at Craft Spirit Shop (40% off!). And let me tell you, this one is worth every penny.

Why is it Worth Almost Triple the Price?

🔥 Double-barreled magic – It starts as Elijah Craig Small Batch but then spends extra time in a second, custom-toasted barrel. That extra aging brings out deep chocolate, marshmallow, and rich caramelized oak flavors.

🥃 Silky, full-bodied texture – If Small Batch is bold and structured, Toasted Barrel is lush and layered, with an almost dessert-like quality.

🍯 Ridiculous finish – Long, warm, and dripping with honey, cinnamon, and charred sugar. It lingers like a great conversation.

If you ever wanted to see what a $100 bottle tastes like for just $59.99, now’s your chance.

Flavor Pairing Picks: What Goes Well with Elijah Craig?

Want to elevate your next pour? Try these pairings:

🥩 Smoked Brisket – The caramel and oak in Elijah Craig complement smoky, tender beef beautifully.

🍫 Dark Chocolate (85% cocoa or higher) – The deep, roasted notes balance the bourbon’s vanilla and spice.

🔥 Aged Gouda or Sharp Cheddar – The richness of the cheese plays off the whiskey’s toasted oak notes.

🚬 Maduro-Wrapped Cigar – If you enjoy a smoke with your pour, go for something dark and creamy, like a Padron 1964 Anniversary.

The Art of Mixing: The Black Walnut Boulevardier

We all love an Old Fashioned, but let’s mix it up. Meet the Black Walnut Boulevardier, a bold, nutty twist on the classic Boulevardier. It’s bittersweet, complex, and dangerously smooth.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz Elijah Craig Small Batch 🥃

• ¾ oz sweet vermouth 🍷

• ¾ oz Campari 🍊

• ¼ oz black walnut liqueur 🌰

• Orange peel for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Stir all ingredients with ice.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large cube.

3. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in.

The black walnut liqueur adds a rich, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with Elijah Craig’s spice and oak. This one’s a slow sipper—perfect for unwinding after a long day.

On the Horizon: The Best is Yet to Come

Next week, we’re revealing our #1 bourbon under $50. This is the bottle you NEED to own.

We’ll also take a deeper dive into all five bourbons on the list, breaking down their flavors, history, and the best ways to enjoy them.

Make sure you’re subscribed and mark our emails to your safe list so you don’t miss out. Trust me, you’re going to want these bottles in your collection.

P.S. – Join The Bourbon Society

Want exclusive bourbon content, discounts, and a quarterly print edition? Join The Bourbon Society Reserve or The Bourbon Society Select and get access to premium perks.

📢 Check it out here: Bourbon Society Membership

Until next time—keep your glass full and your bourbon budget smart.

Cheers,
Ethan "Neat" Whitmore

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