Elijah Craig Bourbon Guide: History, Variants & Prices

About Elijah Craig

Crafted in Bardstown, Kentucky by Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig is named after Reverend Elijah Craig — the 18th-century Baptist minister widely credited with pioneering the charred oak barrel aging process that defines bourbon to this day. Whether that story is history or legend, the whiskey itself is undeniable: consistently award-winning, carefully crafted, and offering one of the best value-to-quality ratios in American whiskey.

The Core Range

• Elijah Craig Small Batch — The flagship. Caramel, vanilla, baking spices, and a hint of smoke at 94 proof. One of the best values in bourbon at any price point — outstanding neat, on the rocks, or in an Old Fashioned.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch (1.75L) — The 1.75L handle. Same great whiskey, better value per ounce.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch Gift Set — The flagship expression packaged as a gift. Perfect for bourbon lovers.

Rye Whiskeys

• Elijah Craig Straight Rye — Spicy, bold rye character with the same careful craftsmanship as the bourbon line. Excellent in cocktails or sipped neat.
• Elijah Craig Straight Rye (1.75L) — The full handle for rye lovers who go through a bottle fast.

Toasted Barrel Expressions

• Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon — Finished in custom toasted oak barrels after its standard maturation. The result is a dessert-like richness: marshmallow, caramelized sugar, brown butter, and warm spice layered over the classic bourbon base. One of the most distinctive and underrated bottles in the lineup.
• Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye — The rye whiskey version, finished the same way. Toasted oak amplifies the spice and adds a unique depth.

Barrel Proof — For High-Proof Enthusiasts

The Barrel Proof series is Elijah Craig at its most intense — bottled directly from the barrel at full proof, non-chill filtered, with no water added. Each batch is different, and collectors track them obsessively.

• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C924 — The most recent "C" batch. Bold heat, dark fruit, charred oak, and cinnamon. An exceptional high-proof bourbon.
• Elijah Craig 13 Year Barrel Proof Batch C923 — Older stock, deeper flavor. Rich and complex with layers of dark chocolate, leather, and baking spices.
• Elijah Craig 11 Year Barrel Proof Batch B524 — The "B" batch. Slightly younger but punchy and vibrant — great for those who love raw intensity.
• Elijah Craig 12 Year Barrel Proof Batch B522 — A fan-favorite batch known for its balance of heat and sweetness.

Aged & Rare Expressions

• Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel — One of the oldest single barrel bourbons on the market, first introduced in 1994. Rich oak, leather, dark chocolate, tobacco, and baking spices. An annual limited release that's highly collectible — if you see it, buy it.
• Elijah Craig 23 Year Old Single Barrel — The pinnacle of the Elijah Craig lineup. Exceptionally rare, exceptionally complex. Deep mahogany color, concentrated wood, dried fruit, and a finish that lasts minutes. A true collector's bottle.

Special Releases

• Elijah Craig PGA 2025 Small Batch — A limited edition release tied to the 2025 PGA Championship. A collectible expression of the Small Batch with special packaging.

Bundles

• Heaven Hill Bundle — A curated selection of Heaven Hill expressions including Elijah Craig. Great introduction to the full Heaven Hill family.

Whether you're stocking the bar with the Small Batch or hunting a specific Barrel Proof batch, browse the full Elijah Craig collection below.