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

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

94WA
94WE

94

Whisky Advocate

Review Date: N/A
Read All 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. (JL, Winter 2020) *#7, Top 20 Whiskies of 2020*

Price: $24.99
Previously:
$30
QTY
Product Availability
Main Warehouse60+
Redwood City18
San Francisco11
Culver City11
Hollywood10

Professional Reviews

94

Wine Enthusiast

Review Date: 03/2022
The complex aromas suggest red fruit, vanilla and allspice. The first sips open with oak, leading to hints of dried cherry and cranberry midpalate. That fruit note extends into the elongated, mouthwatering finish, backed by cinnamon and cayenne heat. *Best Buy* (KN)

Staff Reviews

Andrew Whiteley
Review Date: 05/2021
I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Elijah Craig Rye since it was first released to limited markets in the U.S. in early 2020. Over a year and many prominent awards and critical reviews later, it feels like I've waited a lifetime. Fortunately, now that it is actually in my glass, it has actually lived up to my expectations and the hype. It has fully delivered on the value proposition that is the Elijah Craig brand, a move that makes Heaven Hill one of the greatest in the business. The whiskey is bursting with flavor; rye obviously takes center stage, but it is so well supported by the high corn and malted barley content that it never overshadows its co-conspirators. Sweet spice (i.e. not peppery spice) envelops the palate. Generous toasted oak leans towards coconut. The caramels and vanillas are also there; I want to say prominent, but it isn't the right word, because while it's robust, there are no hard edges. It's a rounded rye in style and texture. At 94 proof (the same as EC's small batch Bourbon) it has the easy drinkability I associate with the brand without missing the punch so many modern whiskey fans love and expect. A modern classic, no doubt, and one that has managed to stay true to everything I expect from Elijah Craig. No easy feat considering the very high bar I hold for the mark.

Notes

The first rye to join the Elijah Craig brand, a nameplate synonymous with exceptional quality and extraordinary value. This wonderful example of barely legal rye is made with 51% rye, 35% corn, and a hearty 14% barley. The result is a sumptuous balance of spicy and sweet. This soon-to-be staple has racked up many awards and gushing reviews since it was released in 2020 (including a coveted spot at #7 on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 of 2020), but it's only now hitting CA shelves. Intelligently priced to fulfill your everyday rye needs, it's hard to imagine this doesn't become the first thing you reach for when making the classics. Try it in a Perfect Manhattan. Platinum Best of Class at SIP Awards, 2020. Fred Minnick: "Hello, the glorious nose of fruit, especially bananas, followed by toasted rye bread, burnt oven and oak. On the palate, it’s like butter, drenching down the jawline and hitting the tongue with a cadre of spice, from cinnamon to black pepper. The medium-to-long finish delivers a hint of rhubarb. Overall, this is a tasty rye and the price makes it all the more lovely."

Product Details

Origin: Kentucky, United States

Type/Varietal: Rye

Alcohol Content: 47%

SKU: #1538118

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