Overview
Elijah Craig is one of Heaven Hill’s most important bourbon brands and a cornerstone of the modern premium Kentucky bourbon category. The brand is best known for Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, and limited older releases.
The brand is named for Reverend Elijah Craig, who is often connected in bourbon lore to the use of charred oak barrels. While the historical details are debated, the brand has become a major way Heaven Hill tells the story of oak, aging, and Kentucky bourbon tradition.
Brand History
Elijah Craig developed into a premium Heaven Hill label and became especially important as drinkers began seeking older, stronger, and more flavor-forward bourbons. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof in particular helped define the modern barrel-proof bourbon conversation.
The brand has expanded beyond Small Batch into rye whiskey, toasted barrel finishing, single barrel selections, private barrel programs, and very limited age-stated releases.
Who Owns the Brand?
Elijah Craig is owned by Heaven Hill Brands, the family-owned company behind Heaven Hill Distillery.
Producing Distillery
Elijah Craig is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, with Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery in Louisville serving as the company’s major whiskey production facility.
Core Products
Core products include Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Straight Rye, and Elijah Craig Private Barrel selections.
Limited Releases
Limited releases have included Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel, Elijah Craig 21 Year, Elijah Craig 23 Year, and other special or older bottlings. Barrel Proof batches are released periodically and vary by proof and batch code.
Mash Bill and Production Notes
Elijah Craig uses Heaven Hill’s bourbon and rye production programs depending on expression. Barrel Proof releases are bottled without dilution to a standard proof, so proof varies by batch. Toasted Barrel adds a secondary barrel finishing step.
Availability
Elijah Craig Small Batch is widely available in many U.S. markets. Barrel Proof, Toasted Barrel, Private Barrel, and older limited releases vary significantly by market and allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Elijah Craig?
Elijah Craig is made by Heaven Hill Distillery.
Who owns Elijah Craig?
Heaven Hill Brands owns Elijah Craig.
Is Elijah Craig bourbon?
Elijah Craig is best known as a bourbon brand, though the lineup also includes rye whiskey.
What is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof?
It is a barrel-proof bourbon release from Heaven Hill with batch-specific proof and details.