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 isnt just about heat or force; the finishing in custom toasted new oak barrels gives sweetness, chocolate, and toffee notes that balance the ryes boldness. Its 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, crme brle, 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 lingerblack 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; crme brle; 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 cheesesto 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