Heaven Hill Distillery is proud to announce the launch of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This is the latest line extension from our award-winning Elijah Craig family, and adds an extra layer of sweet oak complexity to the traditional Bourbon.

The process begins with fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, which is made up of barrels aged 8 to 12 years. The mingled small batch is then re-entered into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel at full barrel proof. This custom toasted barrel was designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company and made with 18-month air dried oak; it’s first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time.

An extensive research and development process resulted in a final barrel toast profile which brings forward delicious dark sugar flavors from within the wood and creates a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing. The resulting taste is big, rich, and complex with spice and pepper notes that fade into milk chocolate with a hint of smoke as the finish lingers with chocolate and baking spices.

Only charred new American oak barrels are used throughout the entire process to maintain the standards of identity class and type designation for Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

[Learn More about the Definition of Bourbon and How to Read a Whiskey Label]

“Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel pays homage to our namesake’s pioneering spirit as the first to char oak barrels through thoughtful innovation in the barrel-aging process,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “It was a pleasure partnering with Independent Stave Company to create a custom toast profile and char level designed to best complement fully matured Elijah Craig. Twice barreled for nuanced flavor, Toasted Barrel showcases a Straight Bourbon process unique in the marketplace.”

Many Bourbon fans will recall that in 1789, Elijah Craig was the first to char oak Barrels to make Bourbon, earning his place in history as the “Father of Bourbon.” Toasted Barrel celebrates this pioneering spirit by pushing the Bourbon barrel-aging process a step further.

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is bottled at 94 proof, the same proof found in both Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey.

Packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle, Toasted Barrel is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side, and neck labels with smoky blue features. Launching in September 2020, American Whiskey fans will be excited to know that Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is a national, allocated release. Check with your local retailers or visit our product locator for more information.