Experience Elijah Craig's acclaimed Straight Rye Whiskey in its purest form with the Barrel Proof release, Batch A925. This is an exceptional opportunity to taste the "Father of Bourbon's" take on rye, presented uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. With a stunning age of 12 years and 3 months and bottled at 108 proof, this is a deeply complex and remarkably balanced rye for the serious whiskey connoisseur. Find this limited release through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
Each bottle of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is labeled with its unique proof, batch number, and age; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig. Batch A925, the first release of 2025, showcases the beautiful interplay between a mature, well-aged spirit and the unique character of Heaven Hill's Kentucky-style rye mash bill.
The Elijah Craig brand pays homage to the Reverend Elijah Craig, a Baptist preacher and entrepreneur credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in new charred oak barrels. While famous for bourbon, Heaven Hill Distillery applies the same principles of quality and patience to their rye whiskey program. The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is the highly anticipated counterpart to their legendary Barrel Proof Bourbon, offering a rare chance to taste their extra-aged rye at its natural cask strength.
Tasting Notes: A Rich and Balanced Kentucky-Style Rye
The combination of a 12+ year age statement and a high-corn rye mash bill creates a stunningly complex and approachable flavor profile:
Nose: A rich and inviting bouquet of sweet honey, vanilla, and butterscotch, beautifully layered with a classic rye spice of black pepper, cinnamon, and a hint of fresh mint.
Palate: A wonderfully rich, oily, and full-bodied mouthfeel. A wave of sweet dark caramel and stone fruit is expertly balanced by a robust spice of clove and pepper. The 12 years in oak add a deep, savory character of leather and seasoned wood.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and satisfying. The sweetness and spice linger in perfect harmony, with a final, sophisticated whisper of toasted oak and vanilla.
Why Batch A925 is a Must-Have:
Exceptional Age for a Rye: At over 12 years old, this is one of the oldest rye whiskeys on the market, offering a level of depth and complexity that is incredibly rare.
Uncut & Unfiltered: You are tasting this rye exactly as it was in the barrel—non-chill filtered and at its natural 108 proof for maximum flavor and texture.
Unique Kentucky-Style Rye: The 51% rye mash bill offers a more balanced and less aggressively spicy profile than many 95/5 ryes, making it a perfect sipper for bourbon lovers.
A Highly Coveted Annual Release: The Barrel Proof Rye has quickly become a fan favorite, with each batch being a unique and highly sought-after collector's item.
This is a rye whiskey that rewards deep contemplation and showcases the elegant side of cask-strength spirits. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Batch A925.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What does the batch number "A925" mean?
A: The batch number is a code for the release schedule. The "A" indicates it is the first release of the year. The "9" signifies the month of release (September), and "25" represents the year (2025).
Q: What is a "Kentucky-style" rye?
A: A Kentucky-style rye, like Elijah Craig's, uses a mash bill with just over the legal minimum of 51% rye. The rest is made up of a significant amount of corn and malted barley. This results in a rye whiskey that is less spicy and often sweeter and more balanced than "high-rye" styles that use 95-100% rye.
Q: How is this different from the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon?
A: The main difference is the mash bill. The Barrel Proof Bourbon uses a "wheated" bourbon mash bill with a high corn content, resulting in a sweeter, caramel-forward profile. This Barrel Proof Rye has a completely different, rye-based mash bill, which gives it a distinctly spicier character.
Q: Where can I purchase Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye A925?
A: This is a highly sought-after, limited-release product. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
