Launched in early 2020, Elijah Craig Rye is a 94 proof whiskey that joined the brand’s already-popular bourbon (also 94 proof) and barrel proof bourbon. Those barrel proof bourbons—released at uncut proof points three times per year—are especially popular among whiskey nerds, having built an ardent fan base since their introduction in 2013. Now, Elijah Craig Rye is getting its own barrel proof expression, and we got an early taste of this 12+ year old, cask strength whiskey.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye comes from the same recipe (or “mash bill”) as most Heaven Hill rye whiskeys: 51 percent rye, 35 percent corn, and 14 percent malted barley. That low-rye content is right at the legally mandated minimum, often referred to as a “Kentucky-style” recipe due to its high corn percentage and similarity to bourbon.
Like its sibling line of bourbons, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye will be released three times per year. That means one batch each in January, May, and September. Ages and proof points will both vary, and the first batch clocks in at 12 years and 3 months old. (The age statement specifies the youngest whiskey used in the batch.) This first release is referred to as Batch A925: “A” means the first batch of the year, “9” indicates the release month, and “25” corresponds to the year.
Notably, the line extension becomes Heaven Hill’s only regularly available cask strength rye. In the modern era, only certain Parker’s Heritage releases—which alternate annually between whiskey styles and mash bills—showcased the company’s rye whiskey in truly uncut form.
“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,” says Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, in a company press release. “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.”
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Batch A925 is bottled at 108 proof. And after an initial taste, we think O’Driscoll is indeed correct. The whiskey noses and drinks noticeably above its 54% ABV, resulting in a bold and memorable rye at every phase of the experience.
Early aromas convey plenty of spice, but to be clear, this nose is definitely “Kentucky style,” distinct from a high-rye mash bill like MGP’s famed 95% recipe. Indeed, it smells far closer to a high-rye bourbon, at least on the first few sniffs. Dark caramel and tanned leather lead, along with treacle, lightly burnt toffee, bitter gentian root, dried orange rinds, baked cloves, and maraschino cherries. Some green and herbal character builds with time in the glass, pushing things more into rye-dominant territory. That shift comes alongside an umami-forward component of spice-rubbed burnt ends.
The early palate is sweet and wood-forward, carried by a viscosity and flavor intensity that (again) both seem higher than the whiskey’s 108 proof. Cherry, pomegranate, and dragonfruit fold in after that initial hit of wood and sweetness, and the tartness is a nice complement on a palate that might otherwise be dominated by spiced caramel. (That’s an entirely bad place to be, but it’s clear this barrel proof rye has more on offer.) Eventually, a noticeable—but not overpowering—herbal element builds at the midpalate; it’s a bit like mint-infused butterscotch, or perhaps Andes chocolate mints.
The finish is a high point that lingers for almost a minute after each sip, at once robust and balanced. More mint chocolate is joined by toasted coconut, praline, slivered almonds, gingersnaps, and continued rye spice.
Ultimately, Batch A925 is a great first release in a line we’ll be following closely from one release to the next.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye hits nationwide distribution starting in September 2025. The suggested retail price is $74.99 for a 750 ml bottle, the same MSRP as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon.