Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the newest offering from Heaven Hill-parented distiller. The forthcoming spirit is set to hit shelves this September.
Bottled at 94 proof, the Whisky is one of few new expressions from the Kentucky-based brand, which makes the release truly exciting. According to the distillery, the Whiskey will be “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 were used throughout the Bourbon creation process “to maintain the standards of identity class and type designation for Straight Bourbon Whiskey,” explained the distillery. Apparently, the Whiskey goes through a special finishing process that “begins with fully matured Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is 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 bringing forward dark sugar flavors within the wood to create a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing.”
Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager, explained, “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. 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.”
The release will see the new expression “packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle” and “distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with smoky blue features.”
Bottled at 47% ABV, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is set to debut on allocation for about $50 per 750 ml bottle come September.