Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey – 94 Proof (47% ABV) | 750ml

Rich, spicy, and layered with toasted-oak character, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey takes the classic profile of Elijah Craig Straight Rye and adds greater depth through a second-barrel finishing process. After traditional maturation in new charred oak, the rye whiskey is transferred into a specially toasted new oak barrel for additional finishing. Bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750ml bottle, this expression combines rye spice with vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, baking spice, and subtle fruit for a bold yet balanced take on toasted-barrel rye whiskey.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Straight Rye Whiskey

Expression: Toasted Barrel

Producer: Heaven Hill Distillery

Origin: Kentucky, USA

Mash Bill: 51% Rye • 35% Corn • 14% Malted Barley

Maturation: New Charred Oak

Finishing: Second New Toasted Oak Barrel

Alcohol Content: 47% ABV (94 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Profile: Rye Spice • Vanilla • Caramel • Toasted Oak • Baking Spice • Fruit

Process & Aging

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey begins with the mash bill used for Elijah Craig Rye: 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley.

This relatively balanced rye mash bill combines the spice and herbal character associated with rye grain with a substantial proportion of corn, which contributes additional sweetness and body.

Following fermentation and distillation, the whiskey is matured in new charred oak barrels, as required for straight rye whiskey.

Once the initial maturation is complete, Elijah Craig takes the process a step further by transferring the mature rye into a second new oak barrel that has been specially toasted.

This additional interaction with fresh oak develops greater vanilla, caramelized sugar, baking spice, and toasted-wood character while complementing the natural spice of the rye whiskey.

The finished expression is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof).

Appearance

Deep amber with copper and reddish-gold highlights, reflecting its maturation and additional time in a second new oak barrel.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and aromatic with vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and rye spice, accompanied by subtle fruit and baking spice.

Palate: Full and layered with caramelized sweetness, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, toasted wood, and rye spice, balancing the grain's natural intensity with the sweeter influence of the second barrel.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering rye spice, vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and baking spice.

What Makes It Special

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey brings the brand's toasted-barrel concept to rye whiskey.

The defining feature is its use of two separate new oak barrels.

The whiskey first undergoes traditional maturation in new charred oak, developing the foundational characteristics expected from American straight rye whiskey.

It is then transferred into a second specially toasted new oak barrel.

Rather than simply adding more char, barrel toasting exposes the oak to sustained heat, developing different flavors within the wood. When the mature rye enters this second barrel, it gains another opportunity to extract vanilla, caramelized sweetness, spice, and toasted-oak character.

The process is particularly interesting with rye because these sweeter barrel-derived characteristics contrast with the grain's natural peppery and spicy qualities.

At 94 proof, the finished whiskey maintains enough structure to showcase both sides of the profile: the spice of rye and the richness of toasted oak.

How to Enjoy

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is well suited for sipping neat, with a small amount of water, or over a large ice cube.

Serving it neat provides the clearest view of the relationship between rye spice and the vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and toasted-oak characteristics developed during finishing.

A few drops of water can soften the 94-proof whiskey and reveal additional sweetness and aromatic complexity.

Its combination of rye spice and toasted oak also makes it particularly well suited for classic whiskey cocktails such as a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Sazerac, where its spice and higher proof can remain prominent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye?

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof).

What is the mash bill for Elijah Craig Rye?

The Elijah Craig rye mash bill consists of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley.

Who makes Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye?

Elijah Craig is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky.

What does Toasted Barrel mean?

After its initial maturation, the mature rye whiskey is transferred into a second new oak barrel that has been specially toasted, providing additional interaction with fresh oak.

Is Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye double barreled?

Yes. It undergoes traditional maturation in a new charred oak barrel followed by additional finishing in a second new toasted oak barrel.

What does Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye taste like?

Its profile combines rye spice, vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, baking spice, pepper, and subtle fruit, bringing together spicy grain character and sweeter barrel influence.

What is the difference between Elijah Craig Straight Rye and Toasted Barrel Rye?

The standard Elijah Craig Straight Rye completes its maturation in traditional new charred oak. Toasted Barrel Rye receives an additional finishing period in a second new toasted oak barrel, introducing greater vanilla, caramel, spice, and toasted-wood character.

Is Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye the same as Toasted Barrel Bourbon?

No. Although both use the toasted-barrel concept, they begin with different whiskeys. Toasted Barrel Bourbon is bourbon, while Toasted Barrel Rye is produced from a rye-focused mash bill containing 51% rye.

Is Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye good for sipping?

Yes. Its combination of rye spice, sweetness, and toasted oak makes it suitable for enjoying neat, with water, or over ice.

What size bottle is this?

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in a second toasted new oak barrel and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Available now while supplies last.

Brand Story

Elijah Craig is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, a family-owned Kentucky distiller with a portfolio spanning bourbon, rye whiskey, and other American spirits.

The Elijah Craig name honors Reverend Elijah Craig, an early Kentucky distiller traditionally associated with the history of maturing American whiskey in charred oak barrels.

While the brand is particularly well known for bourbon, Elijah Craig Rye extends its whiskey-making approach to a mash bill built around 51% rye, balanced by corn and malted barley.

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey takes that foundation further through a second period of maturation in toasted new oak. Bottled at 94 proof, it combines the peppery, spicy character of rye with additional vanilla, caramelized sweetness, baking spice, and toasted oak for a richer interpretation of Elijah Craig Rye.