Elijah Craig was the first whiskey maker to use charred oak barrels to infuse smoky flavors. Founded in 1789, the founder is still known as the “Father of Bourbon” today. The modern-day distillers behind the brand follow in Elijah’s footsteps and honor his traditional approach more than 250 years later.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Small Batch
Winner of 91 Points, Double Gold at the TAG Global Spirit Awards (2024), this small-batch whiskey is a must-have for every home bar cart. It’s the original bottle that sparked a legacy and carries the Elijah Craig signature warm spice and subtle smokiness. It’s smooth and savory when served neat, but still the star of the show when mixed. Try it in the cozy autumn cocktail, Commandant's Grog by Jeremiah Holt Jr.:
- 2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch
- .5 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp. dark brown sugar
- 4 oz. hot water
Combine all ingredients in a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Toasted Barrel
This twice-barrelled bottle is a unique spin on the original Small Batch Bourbon. This spirit gets a second finishing session in a custom-toasted barrel where it can soak up an added layer of oaky complexity and a delightful sweetness. Try this whiskey in the Reverand from Elijah Craig:
- 1 oz. Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Toasted Barrel
- 1 oz. orange apéritif
- 1 oz. vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
Mix all ingredients with ice and enjoy in a stemmed glass.
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
51% toasted rye, 35% corn, and 14% barley, the Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is prepared in a similar fashion to the Toasted Barrel but with an entirely different mashbill and a very different flavor profile. This spirit is best served neat and tastes of milk chocolate and toasted oak with a strong nutty flavor. If mixing is more your style, try this spirit in the fall favorite, Rye Hot Cider:
- 2 oz. Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- 4 oz. apple cider
- ½ oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
Add everything but the whiskey to a small pot and gently boil for 10 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes, then add the whiskey and strain into a mug. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.
