Elijah Craig A925 Barrel Proof Rye Review

 

I am, admittedly, an Elijah Craig fanboy. It is one of the better value Bourbons around, especially when you get into the single barrel program. I was defending the brand when Heaven Hill removed the age statement, and everyone was saying they’d never drink Elijah Craig again (without ever tasting the non-age-stated version).

 

Every so often, I run into something from Elijah Craig that leaves me less than impressed. One of the most disappointing buys I made was Elijah Craig 18. I spent a few years looking for it, and it was underwhelming, especially considering the price (it was only $99.00 then). I say this to show that even favorite brands release a dud or two now and then.

 

If you’re unfamiliar with the background of this brand, Elijah Craig was a Baptist minister, a teacher, and a businessman who many people credit being the inventor of Bourbon by storing whiskey in new, charred oak barrels. There is also debate as to whether those barrels were new or used. I’ve heard versions of the story that talk about his charring the barrels to hide the flavors of whatever the barrel was originally storing. In truth, nobody knows who the inventor was and who used the first new, charred oak barrel – it may very well have been Craig – or not. Regardless, it makes a nice backstory.

 

Heaven Hill released Elijah Craig Straight Rye in October 2019 to much fanfare. The Rye shares the same barely-legal 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley mashbill as Rittenhouse and Pikesville, and has been said by some to be excellent and others to be okay. I reviewed it in 2022 and was mostly unimpressed, and having to say that was painful.

 

Newly for September, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye A925 has hit the scene. Like its Barrel Proof Bourbon counterpart, the Rye will be released three times annually and is similarly priced.

 

"Our signature Elijah Craig spice and complexity shine through beautifully in our inaugural Barrel Proof Rye, in an approachable way that makes it ideal for barrel proof first-timers and experienced palates alike. As whiskey fans know, barrel proof is kind of like that famous box of chocolates, in not knowing what you're going to get until the barrel dumps. In this instance, we got a 108 proof treat that drinks bolder than its number would suggest." - Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller, Elijah Craig Bourbon

 

Elijah Craig was kind enough to provide me with a sample of A925 in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review. So, let’s #DrinkCurious and taste if it fares better than the Small Batch Rye.

 

• Whiskey Type: Straight American Rye
• Distiller: Heaven Hill
• Age: 12 years, 3 months
• Mashbill: 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley
• Cooperage: New, 53-gallon charred oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 54% ABV (108°)
• Price per 750mL: $74.99
• Non-Chill Filtered

 

Appearance: I utilized my Glencairn glass to explore this whiskey neat. Inside, it was a bright orange amber. A jagged, medium thick rim formed and discharged fast, thick, compact tears.

 

Nose: I waited about 15 minutes before I approached the aroma. I smelled rye spice, barrel char, cinnamon, brown sugar, cherries, and orange zest. I pulled that air into my mouth, revealing a taste of dark chocolate.

 

Palate: A925 possessed a creamy, thicker texture. There was some palate shock that featured charred oak. My second sip opened to cinnamon, brown sugar, and orange peel on the front. My mid-palate encountered rye spice, dark chocolate, and charred oak. Flavors of clove, black pepper, and nutmeg hit the back.  

 

Finish: The finish began bold and slowly, very slowly, tapered off. It was like a freight train braking; they require miles to do so. Dark chocolate, brown sugar, clove, orange peel, and barrel char remained. I timed the duration at 2:12, which is slightly shorter than I anticipated, yet still very long.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye A925 drank right at about its stated proof. It warmed my throat and was spicy. Chocolate, brown sugar, and clove stole the show, while the other notes put on serious performances.

 

The Barrel Proof version shared a handful of similarities as the Small Batch, especially on the nose. Yet, there was so much going on with A925 that you had no choice but to pay close attention. Elijah Craig is not for the casual drinker who wants to veg out while drinking their whiskey, and that’s what makes this American Rye so special.

 

Does it taste like a typical barely-legal American Rye? No, and not even close. But, it also doesn’t act like a 95/5 Rye. A925 is assuredly a Rye-drinker’s whiskey, one that’s fascinating and well worth the investment. It earned my Bottle rating (and, thank goodness for that). Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.