Elijah Criag Toasted Barrel Vs. Old Forester 1910

I’ve been asked by a number of followers to do this comparison. These are both “double oaked” expressions. The EC is finished in toasted barrels, whereas the 1910 is finished in toasted and heavily charred barrels. They are both similar proofs and similar prices.

EC) $49, 94proof.

-The nose starts with sour-oak, then lots of buttered-toast, along with vanilla, and leather.

-The palate is definitely flavorful and complex. Initially I get cinnamon-sugar-buttered-toast, which moves into some apple, cherry, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel, and baking spices. 

-The finish is medium in length, with slightly-tart apple, some dark cherry, spicy, and slightly drying, tannic oak.

Overall this is a very enjoyable dram and a definite step up from EC Small-Batch, but the finish is a weak spot.

OF) $59, 93proof.

-The nose on this one is sweeter, with loads of initial vanilla, and then the oak shows up with oak-char, and wet wood notes. There is also a fruit note that I can only describe as green banana.

-The palate starts out with that tart fruitiness but then the chocolate, charred oak flavors quickly take over. There is also some nuttiness, cinnamon, caramel, and ripe banana comes in on the mid-palate.

-The finish is medium with some spiciness, but more strong charred oak flavors.

Overall this one has some interesting flavors, and if you enjoy loads of oak-char you’ll love it!

VERDICT) I am discovering that I’m not a big fan of whiskey with a lot of oak-char flavors, it always tastes a little like “fake” aging to me. For this reason I greatly prefer the softer oak, dare I say “toasty” notes of the Elijah Craig. Fancy Glencairn chose the right bottle this time and she coasts to a decisive win!