Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is the powerful, uncut counterpart to the standard Elijah Craig Straight Rye. It is bottled straight from the barrel without chill filtration, with proof and age varying by batch. The mash bill is 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley, giving it a sweeter, richer “Kentucky-style” rye profile.
Professional Rating
The inaugural Batch A925 received 96 points from Whisky Advocate and was named #1 Whiskey of the Year for 2025—notably, the first rye ever to earn Whisky Advocate’s top annual honor.
| Critic |
Rating |
| Whisky Advocate – A925 |
⭐ 96 points |
| Whisky Advocate Top 20 |
#1 Whiskey of 2025 |
Batch A925
12 Years, 3 Months | 108 Proof / 54% ABV
The inaugural release spent more than 12 years in charred oak before being bottled uncut and non-chill filtered. Whisky Advocate praised its combination of mature oak, fruit, sweetness and rye spice, ultimately selecting it over every other whiskey in its 2025 Top 20.
Tasting Profile
Nose: Brown sugar, vanilla, molasses and mature oak with gingerbread and baking spices.
Palate: Rich and layered, showing stewed dark fruit, honey, toasted sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper, with deeper touches of licorice and chocolate.
Finish: Long, warm and spicy, with butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and lingering rye spice balanced by mature oak.
Sommelier/Beverage Take
This is an unusually mature and sophisticated rye. Because the mash bill is only 51% rye and includes a substantial 35% corn, it's richer and sweeter than many high-rye whiskeys, while 12+ years of aging contributes serious oak complexity. Despite being barrel proof, A925's 108 proof is relatively approachable.
