Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey

Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey offers a polished Kentucky-style rye with just enough spice to assert itself, but balanced by sweet corn and neutral oak. With its inviting aromatics, clean palate, and broad availability, it serves as an excellent entry point into rye whiskey—reliable, well-crafted, and ideal for sipping or mixing.

🏺 Origins & Production

• Launched in January 2020, this expression marks Elijah Craig’s first straight rye whiskey under its iconic brand. Distilled and matured in Kentucky by Heaven Hill, it adheres to U.S. standards for straight rye (aged at least two years in new charred oak).

• Crafted using a traditional mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, positioning it in the Kentucky-style "barely-legal" rye tradition—spiced but balanced toward corn sweetness .

• Bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV), it’s priced modestly—typically around $30–$35—making it accessible and suitable for both home bar and mixing.

👃 Aroma

The aroma is inviting and light—featuring caramel, vanilla, gentle citrus peel, and floral rye spice. Subtle notes of lemongrass or dill add intrigue reminiscent of old-school rye traditions .

👅 Flavor & Texture

• On the palate, it opens with lemon zest and cardamom, bringing vibrancy. It transitions into caramel and butterscotch, with hints of banana bread and chocolate brioche—sweet but not overly rich.

• The texture is medium-bodied, slightly oily, and smooth—showing buttery bakery-like notes without heaviness.

🔁 Finish

The finish is medium-length, clean, and dry. Rye spice subtly emerges in the back end, alongside mild oak tannins, tobacco or leaf notes, and a gentle pepper warmth. While not overly powerful, the rye’s character shines through gently.

🌟 Style & Reception

• Positioned as an extra-aged straight rye, its omission of an age statement suggests it meets or exceeds the four-year threshold for consistent quality, but does not highlight specific vintage sourcing .

• Awarded Platinum Best in Class (SIP Awards 2020) and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it has also earned 92 points at TAG Global Spirits Awards 2024 and was named to Whisky Advocate’s Top 10 of 2020 

🍸 Best Use & Pairings

• A versatile mixer: shines in cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Boulevardier, where its rye spice harmonizes with bitters and sweet notes 

• Also approachable neat or with a single ice cube—smooth enough for casual sipping, but with enough depth to satisfy more serious enthusiasts.

"Invigorating brown spice and citrus notes give way to buttered pecan, cedar smoke, and graphite on the nose. Effortlessly smooth on the palate with warm, peppery tones and brown sugar that coats the mouth before finishing soft and fruity with a touch of clove." 92 Points 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

"The first extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to join Elijah Craig’s award-winning family of Bourbons. A unique combination of spicy rye grains and sweet corn, coupled with a steadfast attention to detail, give Elijah Craig Straight Rye the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness."