The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
Elijah Craig today announced the launch of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The latest line extension for Elijah Craig goes double oaked, with a second round of aging in new, toasted oak barrels adding an extra layer of sweet oak complexity to the traditional Bourbon.
The process begins with fully matured Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time. 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.
“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. “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 is distinguished from the rest of the line by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with smoky blue features. With an SRP of $49.99, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel will launch nationally on an allocated basis this September.
