Overview: Blanton’s Single-Barrel debuted in 1984 originally at $24 and is now expensive/hard to authenticate. Elijah Craig Small Batch ($26.99 at Target, 47% ABV) is positioned as a value alternative to Blanton’s Single-Barrel ($149.99 on TotalBourbon, 46.5% ABV).
The Full Story
The single-barrel distinction bourbon category was established in 1984 when master distiller Elmer T. Lee bottled a batch of bourbon from one barrel. Blanton’s is notoriously expensive and can be hard to track down (let alone authenticate). A 750-milliliter bottle fetches $149.99 on TotalBourbon, currently on sale for $104.89. In contrast, Elijah Craig Small Batch dominates the $30 range at Target for $26.99. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a comparable 47% ABV to Blanton’s mild overproof of 46.5%. The bourbon is known for its signature tasting profile of toasted vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, baking spices, and oak. Blanton’s Single-Barrel has slightly more pronounced fruit and char tones compared to Elijah Craig, as well as tones of orange peel, honey, and cinnamon on the nose. Blanton’s may be a consistent and impressive category pioneer, but its overall value is up for some debate. Not a far cry off — and for a fraction of the price – Elijah Craig Small Batch is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at a comparable 47% ABV. Balanced yet lingering, it’s aged for 8 to 12 years in level 3 charred oak barrels, which deliver warming spice and wood smoke on the palate. The nose leads with vanilla bean and ripe banana, deepening into a quintessential bourbon bouquet of oak, caramelized sugar, nutmeg, and vanillin on the palate. Elijah Craig Small Batch features a notably robust and round mouthfeel, which is perhaps its most marked difference compared to Blanton’s, which ends in a crisp, dry finish. Nonetheless, the spirit remains complex enough for seasoned bourbon drinkers and accessible enough for casual fans alike.
Production & Profile
All spirits belonging to the bourbon class must be aged for at least two years in new charred-oak barrels. Small batch bourbons (like Elijah Craig) are made from a blend of spirits produced in a limited number of casks, thereby preserving product consistency. The next step up, single-barrel bourbons (like Blanton’s) are unblended, bottled only from a single cask — a quality marker that is generally accompanied by a steeper retail price.
Brand & Industry History
In fact, Blanton’s is known for being the first single-barrel distinction bourbon in existence, setting the category standard in 1984 when master distiller Elmer T. Lee bottled a batch of bourbon from one barrel. Still, whether you’re sipping it on the rocks or using it as the base of a structurally-integral Old Fashioned, Elijah Craig Small Batch is a versatile yet consistent spirit that can get the job done without breaking any budgets. A Reddit thread dedicated to Elijah Craig Small Batch writes, “At $23 this is a constant in my cabinet. Great straightforward sipper that can easily handle a cube or two.” Commenters echo, “This is like textbook bourbon to me. It’s got some age to it, a good amount of oak, its sweet but not too much.” Arguably best of all, this Blanton’s-adjacent bourbon delivers impressive value for an accessible price point.
What This Means
It’s worth noting the distinction between single-barrel and small batch bourbons. All spirits belonging to the bourbon class must be aged for at least two years in new charred-oak barrels. Small batch bourbons (like Elijah Craig) are made from a blend of spirits produced in a limited number of casks, thereby preserving product consistency. The next step up, single-barrel bourbons (like Blanton’s) are unblended, bottled only from a single cask — a quality marker that is generally accompanied by a steeper retail price.
Consumer Takeaway
A 750-milliliter bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch currently costs $26.99 at Target.
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