Heaven Hill has announced the release of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, arriving on shelves in time for Bourbon Heritage Month.
The new release begins with Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon, aged to maturity in a standard charred white oak barrel. The bourbon is then transferred at barrel proof to a second, toasted and flash charred barrel made with 18 month air-dried staves and designed with Independent Stave Company. Like the flagship Elijah Craig Bourbon and the new Elijah Craig Rye, the new Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is bottled at 94 proof.
“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,” said the distillery in a press release. “The resulting taste is 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.”
“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,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager in a press release. “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.”
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon will launch nationally this September for around $50. While the release will be allocated, there will be more to come if you miss the first arrival – a representative for the brand tells us this is a permanent addition to the Elijah Craig Family.
