Today we have a matchup of a newer rye release in the Elijah Craig, and putting it up against one of the standout value rye releases from last year.
These are both in the similar price range.

Fancy Glencairn knows how much she likes OF Rye, so she’s sticking with what she knows… Let’s see how Elijah Craig stands up!

🥃EC) $25, 94 proof. 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley.
-The Nose is light and could be mistaken for any number of lower proof KY ryes. The dominant notes are vanilla, cinnamon, and a tiny hint of mint.
The Palate is also light, with vanilla moving into slight nuttiness, and cinnamon.
-The Finish is short, with some cinnamon and mild white pepper lingering.
⭐️Overall this is a completely unremarkable rye. I would never be able to pick this out in a lineup of other lower proof KY ryes. I can’t imagine a reason to buy this other than it’s the only rye on the shelf under $30.

🥃OF) $22, 100 proof. The unique mash bill of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn is a higher amount of malted barley than is typically seen in a rye.
-The Nose is interesting, with very floral, herbal rye notes, along with vanilla, and unusual fruit and bread notes (reminds me of some Irish Whiskies).
-The Palate is definitely unique, with lots of initial clove, and then sweet vanilla, cherry, charred oak, and some herbal medicinal notes.
-The Finish is medium, spicy and sweet, with a bit of maple syrup and oak.
⭐️Overall this is an impressively unique rye with flavors and body that punch way above it’s price range!

🏆VERDICT) if it wasn’t obvious yet, Old Forester is the overwhelming winner today! It’s not even really a competition. AND OF wins on price, and proof point.
Fancy is happy her prior experience held up today, and she is grabbing all of these OF ryes off the shelf before other’s do!

What do you guys think??