Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) vs Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) | Elijah Craig Straight Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Elijah Craig |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended | Rye |
| ABV | 40% | 47% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £40.95 | £46.75 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Quick verdict
Elijah Craig Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) is better value at £41 vs £47.
For beginners: Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£40.95 vs £46.75)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£46.75 vs £40.95)
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Who should buy Elijah?
Elijah Craig Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Only Elijah Craig Straight Rye

