Elijah Craig has unveiled its inaugural barrel proof rye expression, marking the first expansion of its barrel proof portfolio beyond bourbon. The new release, aged 12 years and 3 months, will join the brand’s tri-annual release schedule starting this September.
New Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Batch A925 arrives at 108 proof, positioned alongside the brand’s established Barrel Proof Bourbon at an identical suggested retail price of $74.99. This marks a significant addition to the American whiskey landscape, where barrel proof rye expressions remain relatively uncommon compared to their bourbon counterparts.
Official tasting notes describe the copper-hued liquid as leading with aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses. The palate reveals stewed fruits and cinnamon touches, finishing with nutmeg and rye spice notes.
“Our signature Elijah Craig spice and complexity shine through beautifully in our inaugural Barrel Proof Rye, in an approachable way that makes it ideal for barrel proof first-timers and experienced palates alike,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Elijah Craig Bourbon.
The release follows Elijah Craig’s established batching system, where letters indicate release order, followed by numbers representing month and year. This inaugural A925 batch signifies the first release (A) of September (9) 2025 (25).
Barrel Proof Whiskey Expands Release Schedule
The new rye expression will maintain the same release cadence as Elijah Craig’s bourbon counterpart, hitting shelves every January, May, and September. This tri-annual schedule has become a hallmark of the brand’s barrel proof program, generating anticipation among whiskey collectors and enthusiasts.
Elijah Craig is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent family-owned distillery, which continues to expand its premium offerings in the competitive American whiskey market. The company holds the world’s second-largest inventory of Kentucky bourbon, positioning it well for sustained growth in the premium segment.
The barrel proof category has experienced significant growth in recent years, with consumers increasingly seeking higher-proof, uncut expressions that showcase whiskey in its most authentic form. Rye whiskey, which must contain at least 51% rye grain in its mash bill, offers a spicier profile compared to bourbon’s sweeter corn-based character.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye will be available nationwide in 750ml bottles by late September. The brand, named after the pioneering distiller credited with first aging whiskey in charred oak barrels, has earned numerous accolades including Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year.
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