Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is a refined expression crafted to elevate the rye whiskey experience. Starting with Elijah Craig's celebrated Straight Rye Whiskey, this spirit undergoes an innovative secondary aging process in custom-toasted new oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and depth. Featuring a 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley mash bill, it offers a symphony of flavors, including toasted oak, luxurious crème brûlée, almonds, and hazelnuts on the nose. The palate presents a creamy mouthfeel with notes of milk chocolate, subtle baking spices, and a touch of vanilla, culminating in a soft, lingering finish with warm spices. Bottled at 94 proof, this full-bodied whiskey is perfect neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, embodying the pinnacle of tradition and innovation.
Process & Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye begins as fully matured Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, crafted with a mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. The whiskey is re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel. Designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company, the secondary barrel undergoes a unique toasting process, where high heat embeds phenols into the barrel surface, enhancing the whiskey's smoky and sweet complexity. This innovative finishing process retains the whiskey's status as a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, ensuring authenticity and quality.
The result is a spirit with 94 proof (47% ABV) that blends traditional rye spice with layers of caramel, vanilla, and toasty sweetness.
Tasting Notes
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye delivers a sensory experience that's both inviting and complex:
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Nose: Aromatic layers of toasted oak, crème brûlée, almond, and hazelnut, with hints of cedar and mint.
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Palate: A creamy mouthfeel reveals notes of milk chocolate, clove, cinnamon, and honey, with undertones of roasted nuts and brown butter.
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Finish: Soft and warm, with lingering spice, charred oak, and a touch of black pepper. A balance of sweetness and rye spice persists long after the final sip.
What Makes It Special
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye stands out for its innovative use of custom-toasted barrels. This secondary finishing method adds depth and richness to the already complex rye whiskey, enhancing its dessert-like qualities with milk chocolate and subtle baking spices while maintaining the rye's signature spice. The toasting process brings a harmonious blend of sweetness, smokiness, and spice, elevating it above standard rye offerings.
Additionally, the use of a mash bill with a higher corn content delivers a softer, slightly sweeter profile compared to ryes with a higher rye grain percentage, making it approachable for both rye and bourbon enthusiasts.
How to Enjoy
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is versatile and perfect for various settings:
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Neat: Sip it slowly to appreciate its creamy, toasted complexity and lingering spices.
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On the Rocks: A single ice cube enhances the whiskey's sweetness while mellowing its spice.
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Cocktails: Ideal for an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Boulevardier, showcasing its bold rye spice alongside layers of sweetness.
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Pairings: Complement it with dark chocolate, smoked meats, or nutty desserts to highlight its rich, layered flavor profile.
Why You Should Try It
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering a smoother, sweeter take on rye whiskey without sacrificing boldness. Whether you’re a seasoned rye lover or exploring whiskey for the first time, this expression delivers a well-rounded and memorable experience that's worth adding to your collection. With its reasonable price and distinct profile, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye truly lives up to the legacy of its namesake, the “Father of Bourbon”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Elijah Craig Toasted Rye unique?
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is finished in a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel, a process that enhances its flavor profile with added layers of sweet oak and soft creamy notes. This innovative finishing technique balances the traditional rye spice with milk chocolate and baking spice flavors, making it a standout in its category.
What is the mash bill of Elijah Craig Toasted Rye?
The mash bill for Elijah Craig Toasted Rye consists of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. This combination ensures a traditional rye whiskey profile while incorporating a balanced sweetness from the corn.
What are the tasting notes of Elijah Craig Toasted Rye?
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye has a burnished copper color. The nose features aromas of toasted oak, crème brûlée, almonds, and hazelnuts. The palate offers a soft, creamy mouthfeel with flavors of milk chocolate and subtle baking spices, leading to a long, warming finish with lingering spice notes.
What is the proof of Elijah Craig Toasted Rye?
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV), offering a smooth yet flavorful drinking experience.
How is Elijah Craig Toasted Rye best enjoyed?
This whiskey is best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its sweet oak complexities and smooth finish. It can also be sipped with a splash of water or on the rocks to subtly mellow its intensity. It can even elevate classic cocktails like a Manhattan with its unique toasted oak influence.
What is the price of Elijah Craig Toasted Rye?
The suggested retail price for Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is $54.99 for a 750mL bottle. This price reflects its premium finishing process and complex flavor profile.
Is Elijah Craig Toasted Rye a limited edition?
Yes, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye is a highly allocated release, making it a sought-after addition for whiskey enthusiasts. It is available nationally as part of an ongoing production.
What differentiates Elijah Craig Toasted Rye from the standard Elijah Craig Straight Rye?
While both are made from the same mash bill, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye undergoes an additional finishing process in custom-toasted barrels. This step introduces more pronounced notes of sweet oak, baking spices, and a creamy mouthfeel compared to the standard version's more straightforward rye character.
