Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Number 7 in Whisky Advocate's Top 20 for 2020.

Launched by Heaven Hill in the USA in early 2020, Elijah Craig Rye is made with a traditional mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. It's the same 'barely legal' recipe they use for whiskeys like Pikesville and Rittenhouse Rye, so called because it contains the bare minimum amount of rye required by law. Because the dominant secondary grain is corn, the flavour profile is reported to be quite similar to what might be expected from a Bourbon - which hooks into rye's popular resurgence. Hardcore Bourbon drinkers are being won over by whiskeys like this. Extra-aging remains a tenet of the Elijah Craig portfolio, and this is no exception. Expect a spicy sharpness from the rye balanced by sweetness from the corn. Llike the rest of the range, it comes packaged in the brand's iconic bottle shape. 47% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Elijah Craig always impresses with value, but until now has been confined to bourbon. This foray into rye whiskey sticks close to Elijah Craig's bourbon roots by using only the minimum-required 51% rye in its formulation; however, it does achieve a nice departure in flavor. Aromas include butterscotch, caramel-nut clusters, and peppery spice. The spice ramps up on the palate, carried forward by the full body, hearty proof, and mouth-coating texture, as cherry cola, baking chocolate, and darker fruits emerge. Priced a notch below comparable peers, this rye delivers powerful flavors that feel excitingly untamed, and will impress bourbon and rye lovers alike. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...Superbly made. And as relaxed yet beautifully busy as ol' Earl Scruggs on his banjo. And just as note perfect. 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.

...Elijah Craig Rye's combination of a flavor profile with mass appeal, great price, and recognizable branding makes it a contender for becoming one of the most popular ryes on the market. Many people are already familiar with the Elijah Craig brand, so it makes perfect sense that Heaven Hill would introduce a rye to sit beside its popular Small Batch Bourbon counterpart. Put simply, Elijah Craig Rye is light and approachable, but it also lacks complexity and oak influence which I think will make it come across as somewhat boring to seasoned rye drinkers. While it may not wow anyone with its mild intensity of flavors, its approachability, recognizable branding, and ultimately its price point, will serve it well. - breakingbourbon.com