Bottled at 108 proof, Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old Bourbon delivers a layered tasting experience designed to showcase the richness and depth that comes with extended aging in new charred oak barrels.
The expression leads with aromas of dark fruit, figs and roses. Upon tasting, expect flavors of roasted nuts, toasted oak and caramelized sugar that build to a rich, complex finish evoking crème brûlée with ginger and cloves. Its structure yields a mature elegance without feeling too intense, creating a full-bodied profile balanced by refined sweetness and spice.
"This release reflects the craftsmanship and tradition that has defined Elijah Craig for generations," said Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. "We were looking for exceptional depth and character in our first 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, and it delivers at a proof that enhances its natural complexity. The result is a bold yet refined whiskey that is approachable enough to be an all-evening sipper."
The 54% ABV offers a subtle nod to May 4, 1964 - the date the United States Congress officially recognized Bourbon as a distinct product of the United States. The ruling reinforced the standards that continue to guide its production, including a requirement that it be aged in new charred oak barrels. That pioneering practice is attributed to Elijah Craig and is what earned him his enduring reputation as the "Father of Bourbon."
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Dark fruit and figs accented by a delicate hint of roses
Palate: Robust notes of roasted nuts and toasted oak give way to the deep sweetness of caramelized sugar
Finish: Rich and complex. Indulgent Crème Brûlée fades into a lingering warmth of ginger and cloves
Uncovering the identities and roles of these laborers, how they contributed to the birth of the Bourbon industry and the legacy their families left is a critical mission of our brand today. Elijah Craig is actively engaged in academic research with the University of Kentucky's Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies and Central Kentucky Slavery Initiative, as well as other initiatives, to not only share a more transparent and inclusive account of our past, but to also make America today a more just and equitable country.
