Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey
Product details
| Management number | 253705952 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$22.00 | Model Number | 253705952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | |||||||||
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is a rich, character-driven rye whiskey that takes the classic rye spice profile and artfully layers on toasted oak complexity. It isn’t just about heat or force; the finishing in custom toasted new oak barrels gives sweetness, chocolate, and toffee notes that balance the rye’s boldness. It’s versatile — works well neat or in cocktails — and is a strong option for those looking to explore rye with a twist.
Origins & Craftsmanship
-
Distillery: Heaven Hill, under the Elijah Craig label. Crafted using their Straight Rye Whiskey.
-
Mash Bill: 51% rye, 35% corn, 14% malted barley.
-
Proof / ABV: 94 proof (≈ 47% ABV).
-
Finishing process: After full maturation, the whiskey is finished in a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel. These finishing barrels are toasted (not just charred) in a special process developed with Independent Stave Company. The toasting includes a phase where a cap is placed on the barrel to ramp up heat quickly, embedding additional phenols in the wood surface to impart more smoke and flavor.
-
Age Statement: NAS (no age statement) for this expression.
Tasting Profile
| Element | Notes |
|---|---|
| Colour / Appearance | Burnished copper. |
| Nose / Aroma | Toasted oak, crème brûlée, almonds, hazelnuts; vanilla cream; lighter rye grain; hints of baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg) and sweet fruit punch. |
| Palate / Taste | Soft, creamy mouth-feel. Milk chocolate, vanilla, baking spices; toasted oak; a touch of heat from rye pepper; brown sugar; occasional fruit notes (summer fruits, cherries, apricot) behind the oak and spice. |
| Finish | Warming and moderately long. Spices linger—black pepper, cinnamon, white peppercorn; oak takes a more central role; sweet vanilla, toffee; subtle leather and oak tannins; the toasted barrel flavor persists without overwhelming. |
Food & Cocktail Pairings
-
Cocktails
-
Classic rye cocktails will work well: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac — the toasted oak and spice add extra layers of flavor.
-
Rye & ginger or rye & soda, with a twist of citrus, help bring out the vanilla and honey notes.
-
Dessert cocktails: use in variants of whiskey-based dessert sips (think chocolate or coffee liqueur in the mix).
-
-
Food Pairings
-
Chocolate & Sweets: Milk or dark chocolate; crème brûlée; vanilla caramel desserts. These echo the cream, vanilla, and toffee flavor profile.
-
Nuts & Dried Fruit: Roasted almonds, hazelnuts; dried apricots or cherries — pairs very well.
-
Savory Dishes: Charcuterie – especially smoked meats or ham; roasted pork; dishes with warm spices; barbecue with a sweet glaze; anything where smoked oak and sweetness can complement the savory.
-
Cheese: Strong cheeses, aged cheddar, gouda, or creamy blue cheeses—to stand up to the rye and oak spice.
-
After Dinner / Sipping: Neat or with a large ice cube to slow down the sip; lends itself to contemplative sipping after a meal.
-
Quick Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Whiskey |
| Type | Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey with toasted barrel finishing |
| Mash Bill | 51% rye / 35% corn / 14% malted barley |
| Proof / ABV | 94 proof (~47% ABV) |
| Age Statement | NAS |
| Finish / Barrel Treatment | Finished post-maturation in custom-toasted new oak barrels with a high-heat cap to embed phenols & impart smoke, oak, toast character |
| Style / Character | Spicy rye backbone softened by toasted oak sweetness: vanilla, chocolate, nuts, baking spices; warm, creamy, approachable but with depth |
Bestseller ranking
Balanced
Customers who viewed this product also viewed
SPIRITS
Correction of product information
If you notice any omissions or errors in the product information on this page, please use the correction request form below.
Correction Request Form