Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml

Elijah Craig takes its name from the Baptist minister often credited, though debatably, as the father of Kentucky bourbon in the 18th century. Heaven Hill Distillery, based in Bardstown, built the Elijah Craig bourbon line into one of its most recognized brands, known for both its accessible small batch release and its highly sought-after barrel proof and extra-aged expressions. In October 2019, the company extended that legacy into rye whiskey for the first time, packaging the new release in the familiar Elijah Craig bottle with distinguishing green label accents.

Elijah Craig Straight Rye uses a mash bill of 51 percent rye, 35 percent corn, and 14 percent malted barley, the same corn-forward recipe that has defined Kentucky-distilled rye whiskey since Prohibition and helped fuel the category's modern resurgence. Heaven Hill markets it as an extra-aged rye, though no specific age statement appears on the label. The whiskey is bottled at 94 proof, giving it a bit more strength than many entry-level ryes while still remaining approachable.

The nose offers cinnamon, caramel, and mint with hints of cedar and citrus peel, while the palate turns toward candied orange, cardamom, and light butterscotch before cinnamon and allspice settle in on the back end. The finish is spicy but restrained, closing on lingering baking spice and a touch of mint.