A small batch with a big reputation.
In the whiskey world, there are a few men known for changing the game. George Garvin Brown of Old Forester was the first to bottle bourbon, Colonel E.H. Taylor fought for the Bottled-in-Bond Act, Oscar Pepper from the Pepper Distillery co-invented the sour mash process, and Elijah Craig charred wooden barrels.
A Baptist preacher by trade, Elijah Craig also worked as a distiller in Georgetown, Kentucky in the 18th century. He’s often referred to as the “Father of Bourbon” thanks to his use of charred barrels for aging. At the time, whiskey was frequently aged in barrels and Kentucky bourbon was specifically aged in oak barrels. The modern practice, however, is to age in a charred oak barrel to help whiskey develop that signature bourbon sweetness. And Elijah Craig was the first to do so. In some tellings of the story, the use of charred oak barrels was an intentional choice. In others, there was a fire that accidentally charred his reserve of barrels. Either way, Craig was so thrilled with the results that it became common practice for him and others quickly caught on.
Today, the Elijah Craig brand is owned by Heaven Hill, so is in good company with Bernheim, Rittenhouse Rye, Larceny, and the entire Evan Williams collection. The modern lineup of Elijah Craig is modest and includes Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, an 18-Year-Old Single Barrel, and a rye whiskey. However, the flagship whiskey remains as Elijah Craig Small Batch.
Elijah Craig’s original offering is a straight bourbon and a small batch to boot. According to Heaven Hill, it’s aged somewhere between 8-12 years, although no similar statement can be found on the official Elijah Craig site or the bottle itself. The aroma is all about vanilla and some subtle sweet fruit scents. A slightly thin mouthfeel carries the same vanilla with a strong punch of dry, smoky oak and a bit of leather. The finish is long, but light with just a hint of oak to carry you out.
Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon has the exact flavor you’d want from a distillery known for charred oak barrels. It’s easy to drink, approachable, and mainly showcases a sweet oak flavor. This bourbon has a dependable profile and a reasonable price point, proving that while the barrels may be charred, you’ll never be burned by a purchase of Elijah Craig Small Batch.
