Elijah Craig brings Toasted Barrel to UK
Heaven Hill-owned whiskey brand Elijah Craig has introduced its custom-toasted barrel-finished Kentucky Bourbon to the UK market.
After debuting in the US in 2020, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is now also available to UK consumers.
The whiskey starts as a small-batch Bourbon that undergoes a second maturation at barrel proof in custom-toasted new American white oak barrels, which are said to add an extra layer of sweet oak and smokiness to the whiskey.
Designed in partnership with the Independent Stave Company, the finishing barrels are crafted from 18-month air-dried oak and undergo a two-step process. First, the barrels are toasted, and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and duration.
Max Stefka, associate vice-president of Elijah Craig Bourbon, said: “It was a pleasure collaborating with the Independent Stave Company to create a custom toast profile and char level designed to best complement fully matured Elijah Craig. Twice barrelled for nuanced flavour, Toasted Barrel showcases a straight Bourbon process unique in the marketplace.”
Offered at 47% ABV, the whiskey displays rich flavours of spice, pepper, milk chocolate, and a hint of smoke, with chocolate and baking spices on the finish.
Stefka added: “In 1789, Elijah Craig was the first to char oak barrels to make Bourbon, earning his place in history as the ‘father of Bourbon’. Toasted Barrel celebrates this pioneering spirit by pushing the Bourbon barrel ageing process a step further and creating something totally unique.”
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is now available in the UK from select retailers, including The Whisky Exchange for £49.75 (US$65) and Amazon for £52.99 (US$70).
Earlier this year, Elijah Craig released a limited edition whiskey for the Ryder Cup golf tournament.
In April, Heaven Hill filled its first whiskey barrel at its new Springs Distillery in Bardstown, followed by an official grand opening in September.
During the summer, the Independent Stave Company filed a notice stating that 112 jobs at its facility in Lebanon, Kentucky, were at risk.
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