Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey

The nose shows orange peel, chocolate covered caramel, candied almonds, barrel spices, light rye, and cherry cola. The palate is soft and approachable with its lower proof with delicate rye bread, caramel, wood spice, cocoa, and orange. D&M Tasting Notes

Elijah Craig Rye (51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley) brings forth the same level of yummy as Heaven Hill’s other ryes–Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond and Pikesville. The non-aged stated rye likely falls in the five to eight year-old composite range.

Hello, the glorious nose of fruit, especially bananas, followed by toasted rye bread, burnt oven and oak. On the palate, it’s like butter, drenching down the jawline and hitting the tongue with a cadre of spice, from cinnamon to black pepper. The medium-to-long finish delivers a hint of rhubarb. Overall, this is a tasty rye and the price makes it all the more lovely. Fred Minnick, February 2020

ELIJAH CRAIG STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY: #7 2020 TOP TEN WHISKY

Elijah Craig always impresses with value, but until now has been confined to bourbon. This foray into rye whiskey sticks close to Elijah Craig’s bourbon roots by using only the minimum-required 51% rye in its formulation; however, it does achieve a nice departure in flavor. Aromas include butterscotch, caramel-nut clusters, and peppery spice. The spice ramps up on the palate, carried forward by the full body, hearty proof, and mouth-coating texture, as cherry cola, baking chocolate, and darker fruits emerge. Priced a notch below comparable peers, this rye delivers powerful flavors that feel excitingly untamed, and will impress bourbon and rye lovers alike. —Jeffery Lindenmuth, Whisky Advocate