Many whiskey reviewers and YouTubers have called 2024 the year of the rye; as so many great rye expressions are being released this year. Whom better could prove this than the world-renowned Heaven Hill Distillery with the release of a brand new toasted rye expression? Like many, it is always exciting to see a new bottle from a large distillery, especially with such the backing as the “Elijah Craig” name. Today’s bottle comes from the Heaven Hill Distillery Co. and is Elijah Craig Toasted Rye.

Bottle Information

From the Elijah Craig website: In this expression, we imbue our award-winning Straight Rye Whiskey with even more flavor. Once fully matured, we finish Toasted Rye in a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel; adding a balanced layer of sweet oak complexity.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by Elijah Craig Distilling Co.
• Mash Bill: 51% Rye, 35% Corn, and 14% Malted Barley
• Proof: 94
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $55
• 2024 National Average: $TBD
• Official Website

When first released, and still partly today, this new expression from the Heaven Hill Distillery has been quite hard to find in NoCo. Considered a newly allocated bottle, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye starts “the process begins with fully matured Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, 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.” Overall, this has such an amazing nose that I could sit beside a fire and smell all night! Unfortunately, the palate is less complex ending in an even simpler finish. Strong dry oak notes follow throughout the experience with Rye Spice at the forefront. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Sweet Red Fruits, Vanilla, Strawberries and Cream Werther’s, Honey, Oak, Spearmint, and Rye Spice
• Palate: Dry Oak, Vanilla, Rye Spice, and a Very Slight Fruitiness
• Finish: Medium Ending in Dry Oak and Rye Spice
• My Rating: Mix It! (Such an amazing nose that I could sit next to a fire and smell all night!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™