I will be the first to admit that when Heaven Hill announced another “Barrel Proof” product in their line-up, I was actually not excited. Lately, I have not been impressed with the traditional Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon releases. So much so, that I have not purchased one of these bottles since the overly-hyped, yes, my words and shots fired, acclaimed release C923. Nonetheless, with this release being a rye whiskey, I decided to go for it, and I will admit that this bottle has redeemed the brand in my opinion. Today’s bottle comes from Elijah Craig Distilling Co., or Heaven Hill, and is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye A925.

Bottle Information

From the Elijah Craig website: To sip Barrel Proof Rye is to experience our Straight Rye Whiskey in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each bottle is labeled with its unique proof, batch number, and age; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by Elijah Craig Distilling Co.
• Mash Bill: 51% Rye, 35% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
• Proof: 108
• Age: 12 Years and 3 Months
• Year: 2025
• 2025 MSRP: $79
• Official Website

With either the change in the bourbon industry and a decline in interest, which is a discussion for another day, or with a larger release number, this bottle was quite easy to find in NoCo. Overall, this rye release is very bourbon-drinker friendly with wonderful notes of vanilla, strawberry, and oak splashed with just the right amount of rye spice throughout. This is a fantastic rye and finally a product that once again deserves the label of “Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.” With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Strawberry, Honey, Toffee, Rye Spice, Oak, and Vanilla
• Palate: Strawberry, Vanilla, Honey, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Rye Spice, and Slight Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Honey, Drying Oak, and Rye Spice
• My Rating: Drink It!/Save! (A fantastic rye and finally a product that once again deserves the label of “Elijah Craig Barrel Proof”)

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®