Elijah Craig creates Bourbon for Ryder Cup
Heaven Hill-owned Bourbon brand Elijah Craig has released a limited edition whiskey to toast to the upcoming Ryder Cup golf tournament.
The brand is the golfing competition’s official Bourbon, which is in its 45 edition and will take place between 26-28 September at Bethpage Black in New York.
The expression is made with fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, which is finished in toasted staves made up of 75% toasted sugar maple and 25% toasted applewood. The use of applewood and sugar maple is a nod to New York – where the golf competition is being hosted – as sugar maple is the Empire State’s official tree.
The finished liquids were aged separately over eight weeks and then vatted together. The final proof is 94 (47% ABV).
Max Stefka, associate vice-president, Elijah Craig Bourbon, said: “Elijah Craig is proud to once again be the official Bourbon of the Ryder Cup, and we could think of no better way to honour this one-of-a-kind competition’s return to New York than with a Bourbon that the Empire State itself had a hand in inspiring.”
Regarding the Bourbon’s profile, it is described as leading with ‘rich maple syrup on the nose followed by decadent apple pie’. Other tasting notes include autumnal flavours in candy apples and caramel, plus chocolate and cocoa for the finish.
The bottles are priced at US$68 and come with a natural cork and wood top sealed in gold with the competition’s logo. They are also packaged in a commemorative Ryder Cup gift box.
In the lead up to the the tournament, the brand will be hosting the ‘Road to Ryder Cup’ campaign, which engages fans with a variety of activations, both on and off the course.
One that can be found onsite at Bethpage is the ‘Elijah Craig Speakeasy’, a lounge where fans can enjoy signature cocktails made with the whiskey before they walk the course.
In addition, the brand has dropped the Ryder Cup’s official Bourbon cocktail: The Mulligan. The cocktail can be found at bars around the grounds, but for those that want to try their hand at home – it is made with Elijah Craig Bourbon, iced tea, and lemonade.
The brand also counts on Robert ‘Bob’ MacIntye as its brand ambassador, who will be representing team Europe at the Ryder Cup.
Stefka said: “It’s the perfect way to ‘cheers’ the teams and all the thrills they’ll bring golf fans at Bethpage Black and around the world.
“And a special cheers to Elijah Craig Golf Ambassador Bob MacIntyre on making his second consecutive Ryder Cup appearance.”
Elijah Craig is one of many spirits brands to tap into sports. Last year, we looked at 10 of the best link ups between the two worlds.
Related news
Blue Run finishes Bourbon in gin barrels
