Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Whiskey
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Whiskey is a 47% ABV (94 proof), 750mL Kentucky straight rye whiskey from Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill) in Kentucky — fully matured straight rye given a second maturation in custom toasted new oak barrels, which layers brown-sugar and toasted-oak sweetness over the rye's natural spice. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47% (94 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
- Finish: Second maturation in custom toasted new oak barrels (toasted, not char-finished)
- Producer: Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill), Kentucky
- Origin: Kentucky, USA
The Toasted Barrel Treatment, on Rye
Elijah Craig built the Toasted Barrel idea on bourbon — take a fully matured whiskey and finish it in a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel, so the gentle toast (rather than a heavy char) brings out caramelised sugars, baking spice and a softer, sweeter oak. Toasted Rye runs the same play on Kentucky straight rye: the rye's peppery, herbal spice goes in first, and the toasted barrel rounds it with brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. It is the barrel programme that made Toasted Barrel one of the most chased Elijah Craig releases, in rye form. Browse the Elijah Craig collection, more rye whiskey, and the full whisky shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Brown sugar, cinnamon and toasted oak over classic rye spice on the nose; the palate is warm and rounded — baking spice, vanilla, dark caramel and a peppery rye core — finishing long with toasted oak and lingering spice.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a large cube so the toasted-barrel sweetness stays in front; it builds a plush, spice-forward Manhattan and a richly rounded Old Fashioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elijah Craig Toasted Rye? A Kentucky straight rye whiskey from Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill) that, after full maturation, is finished in custom toasted new oak barrels for added sweetness and spice.
How is toasted different from charred? Toasting heats the barrel gently and slowly without igniting it, caramelising the wood sugars for a softer, sweeter flavour; charring burns the surface, giving the cracked, smokier char layer most bourbon barrels have.
What proof is it? 94 proof (47% ABV), 750mL.
Is Toasted Rye a bourbon? No — despite an old storefront tagging error, it is a straight rye whiskey: rye is the majority grain, so expect spice first and sweetness second.
Rye first, toasted sweetness second — pick up Elijah Craig Toasted Rye online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.