{"product_id":"elijah-craig-a126-12-year-old-barrel-proof-rye-whiskey","title":"Elijah Craig A126 12 Year Old Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"478\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"68\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"inline align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline cursor-pointer\"\u003eElijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey A126\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a powerful, richly flavorful American rye whiskey drawn straight from the barrel and bottled uncut at \u003cstrong data-start=\"174\" data-end=\"202\"\u003e120.4 proof (60.2 % ABV)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Aged \u003cstrong data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"235\"\u003e11 years and 11 months\u003c\/strong\u003e under careful warehouse stewardship, this batch exemplifies what high-proof rye can be: \u003cstrong data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"384\"\u003eexplosive spice, deep maturation, and layered complexity\u003c\/strong\u003e that reward slow sipping and respectful water addition. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"483\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"963\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"512\"\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"515\"\u003eProduced by \u003cstrong data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"553\"\u003eHeaven Hill Distillery\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cstrong data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"580\"\u003eBardstown, Kentucky\u003c\/strong\u003e, this whiskey is part of the acclaimed \u003cstrong data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eElijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye\u003c\/strong\u003e line, the first barrel-strength rye offered by the brand. Like all American rye whiskeys, it is made from a mash bill containing \u003cstrong data-start=\"783\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eat least 51 % rye grain\u003c\/strong\u003e—in this case \u003cstrong data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"871\"\u003e51 % rye, 35 % corn, and 14 % malted barley\u003c\/strong\u003e—which gives it bright spice and structural balance. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1382\"\u003eAfter nearly 12 years of maturation in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1040\"\u003enew charred American oak barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e, the rye is bottled \u003cstrong data-start=\"1061\" data-end=\"1089\"\u003estraight from the barrel\u003c\/strong\u003e at its natural strength, without dilution or chill filtration. This approach preserves the full intensity of oak-derived esters, grain spice, and concentrated maturation character, making each release a unique portrait of rye aged in Kentucky conditions. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1384\" data-end=\"1387\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1868\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1408\"\u003eCritics Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1408\" data-end=\"1411\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1515\"\u003eWhisky Advocate notably named the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye series “Whisky of the Year” for 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e, recognizing its excellence and impact across American whiskeys. While individual batch scores (including A126 specifically) aren’t always numerically published by the magazine, this accolade reflects strong professional acclaim and positions the line among the most highly regarded rye whiskies in recent years. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"2189\"\u003eIn broader spirits commentary, reviewers have responded enthusiastically to Batch A126’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"1959\" data-end=\"2008\"\u003eheightened proof and expressive rye character\u003c\/strong\u003e, noting that the combination of long maturation, balanced mash bill, and barrel-strength intensity delivers a standout rye whiskey experience. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2194\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2463\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2215\"\u003eTasting Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2218\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2227\"\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright and spicy with classic rye notes of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2335\"\u003ebaking spices (cinnamon, clove), peppercorn, and citrus zest\u003c\/strong\u003e, layered with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2350\" data-end=\"2389\"\u003emolasses sweetness and stewed fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e that hint at extended maturation. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2465\" data-end=\"2765\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2465\" data-end=\"2476\"\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-bodied and richly textured, the palate unfolds \u003cstrong data-start=\"2529\" data-end=\"2578\"\u003ecomplex dark fruit, butterscotch, and caramel\u003c\/strong\u003e, intertwined with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2641\"\u003ewarm rye spice, nutmeg, and black pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e. The high proof fosters a vibrant heat that accentuates depth without overwhelming. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2988\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2778\"\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warming, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2802\" data-end=\"2880\"\u003elingering cinnamon-redhots spice, toasted oak, and a touch of butterscotch\u003c\/strong\u003e, tapering to a satisfying rye-driven warmth that invites another sip. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2990\" data-end=\"2993\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2995\" data-end=\"3015\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2995\" data-end=\"3013\"\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3442\" class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3047\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3047\"\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3032\" data-col-size=\"sm\" class=\"align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3019\" data-end=\"3031\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3047\" data-col-size=\"md\" class=\"align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3045\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3442\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3100\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3072\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3072\" data-end=\"3100\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e120.4 proof (60.2 % ABV)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3147\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3119\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eOrigin \/ Region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3147\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eBardstown, Kentucky, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3209\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3161\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eProduction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3161\" data-end=\"3209\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eStraight rye whiskey bottled at barrel proof\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3239\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3216\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eAge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3216\" data-end=\"3239\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e11 years, 11 months\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3240\" data-end=\"3295\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3240\" data-end=\"3252\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3295\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003e51 % rye, 35 % corn, 14 % malted barley\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3372\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3315\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eAromas \u0026amp; Flavors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3315\" data-end=\"3372\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eRye spice, baking spices, stewed fruit, molasses, oak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3442\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3392\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eStyle \/ Identity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3442\" data-col-size=\"md\"\u003eBold, richly layered Kentucky barrel-proof rye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3444\" data-end=\"3447\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3661\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3469\"\u003eCocktail Recipes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3469\" data-end=\"3472\"\u003eBecause of its high proof and pronounced character, this rye \u003cstrong data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3577\"\u003eexcels neat or with a few drops of water\u003c\/strong\u003e to open aroma and texture. It can also be used in robust, spirit-forward cocktails:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3691\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3689\"\u003eBarrel Proof Manhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3882\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3737\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3737\"\u003e2 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye (A126)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3738\" data-end=\"3761\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3740\" data-end=\"3761\"\u003e1 oz sweet vermouth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3762\" data-end=\"3882\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3882\"\u003e2 dashes aromatic bitters\u003cbr data-start=\"3789\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3803\"\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with a brandied cherry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3884\" data-end=\"3919\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3884\" data-end=\"3917\"\u003eKentucky Barrel Old-Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"4122\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3958\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3922\" data-end=\"3958\"\u003e2 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3959\" data-end=\"3982\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"3982\"\u003e¼ oz demerara syrup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3983\" data-end=\"4122\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3985\" data-end=\"4122\"\u003e2 dashes orange bitters\u003cbr data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4011\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4022\"\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stir with ice until well chilled, strain into a rocks glass over a large cube; express orange peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Southern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43026454347842,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0363\/8621\/files\/Elijah_Craig_A126_12_Year_Old_Barrel_Proof_Rye_Whiskey.jpg?v=1772150672","url":"https:\/\/www.blackwellswines.com\/products\/elijah-craig-a126-12-year-old-barrel-proof-rye-whiskey","provider":"Blackwell's Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}