Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Heaven Hill. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
It’s always an adventure when brands decide to branch out. Through the process of these tastings and reviews, I hope to learn a lot, one sip at a time. I’ve been familiar with Elijah Craig bourbon for a while and was curious as to how well a rye from those guys might turn out.
The new Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey is made as a traditional American straight rye whiskey with a mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. It comes packaged “in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle” and is “distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with green features.”
“Elijah Craig was a larger-than-life innovator and the new Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey celebrates his bold reputation,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll at the time of its release. “Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege within its vast inventory and distilling expertise to create American Whiskeys consumers desire.”
Unfortunately, the rye does not carry an age statement, but given the color, it may indeed have some of that signature extra-aging involved in the process that “is a tenet of the Elijah Craig portfolio.” I’ll admit to being curious as to what stocks really went into this whiskey.
Tasting Notes: Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey
Vital Stats: 94 proof, 48.5% ABV; Mash bill of 51% rye, 34% corn, 15% malted barley; No age statement, but said to be extra aged; around $30 per 750 ml bottle.
Appearance: Copper in the shade of a pale red.
Nose: Orange peel with a touch of booze. Then you find some rye spice, cherry, and perhaps some strawberry hard candy. There are a lot of layers on this one.
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Palate: Candied orange for sure. Caramel and cinnamon. Light bodied, but the finish lingers. After the initial citrus hit, you can pick up the sweeter notes.
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