Elijah Craig expands its acclaimed barrel proof and rye lineup with a new expression, released three times annually and debuting with a 12-year, 3-month-aged first batch.

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2025) — Elijah Craig Bourbon, a leading family of premium American Whiskeys, today announced its first ever Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, expanding its barrel proof product offerings for the first time. Known as the “Father of Bourbon” for pioneering the use of charred oak barrels, Elijah Craig’s latest release gives consumers an incredible opportunity to enjoy Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey in its purest, uncut form.

The result is a rich, deep copper-hued liquid that leads with aromas of baking spices, gingerbread and a sweet note of molasses. Tasting reveals a complex and well-balanced experience leading with stewed fruits and touches of cinnamon. Lingering notes of nutmeg and lots of rye spice will round out a long, warm finish. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Batch A925 has a proof of 108 and carries an age statement of 12 years and 3 months.

“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, Elijah Craig Bourbon. “As whiskey fans know, barrel proof is kind of like that famous box of chocolates, in not knowing what you’re going to get until the barrel dumps. In this instance, we got a 108 proof treat that drinks bolder than its number would suggest.”

Following this initial release, Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof Rye will be released three times annually, every January, May and September. The timing follows the brand’s famed, unique batching system for barrel proof expressions – using letters “A,” “B,” or “C” to indicate the order of the release, the first number representing the month and the last two numbers indicating the year, making this batch A925.

This highly anticipated Barrel Proof Rye release will be available in 750 ml bottles nationally by late September at a suggested retail price of $74.99. It joins the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon that can also be found nationwide also for an MSRP of $74.99.

Follow Elijah Craig on Instagram for news about the latest release and find a retailer near you at ElijahCraig.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.