Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Review: The Rye We Waited For?

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Heaven Hill Distillery
• MASH BILL: 51% Rye | 35% Corn | 14% Malted Barley
• AGE: 12 years, 3 months
• YEAR: 2025
• PROOF: 108 (54% ABV)
• MSRP: $74.99
• BUY ONLINE: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Locator Page

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Lovers of rye whiskey, especially those who are fans of Rittenhouse Rye, the Bottled-In-Bond sister of this release.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yeah, especially since this is the first release of this whiskey. Jump in and get to know it intimately.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. You'll want it to sip, cocktail and let it develop over time with a little air.

OVERALL: A few years ago, Heaven Hill created an Insiders group of spirits writers who receive a few samples each year of whiskies still in development. Three years ago, one sample received was a robust 12-year-old, 131.9 proof rye that, like all other samples, bore no brand name. Since neither the EC Rye line nor the Rittenhouse line included a recent rye remotely that old, I wondered if that old rye might become a Parker's Heritage release. It didn't, and as time passed, I forgot all about it.

Clearly, that this first-ever 12-year-old ECBP Rye is 23.9 proof lower than that sample bottle proves the new C925 bottle has nothing to do with that whiskey, which would now be 15 years old. (Is that whiskey still aging at age 15, and perhaps moving toward the 21-, 23- and 25-year marks of those legendary Rittenhouse Ryes released in the early 2000s? Who knows? It's fun to consider.)

But in light of the high-proof tradition of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon, it is surprising that the 108 proof on this newcomer is not only far lower than its bourbon cousins, but it's also well below that Insider sample. And when you consider Heaven Hill's standard barrel-entry proof of 125, surely these barrels spent their lives on the bottom floors of rickhouses.

Perhaps the low proof explains why the nose on the C925 Rye presents lighter than expected for 12-year-old barrel proof whiskey. Like most Kentucky-style ryes, its aromas start at caramel, spice and cooked dark fruits, but it gets a little more nuanced (cinnamon and clove, some dried lemon peel) as it sits in the glass. Hints of bitter chocolate and chocolate cake eventually come around, but nothing particularly powerful.

Boldness does appear on the palate, with some heat and spice announcing their presence. Here, the spice from rye grain takes center stage along with white pepper, cinnamon Red Hots and flamed orange peel. Mouthfeel is rich, weighty and slightly viscous.

Finish is long, warming and loaded with toasted oak and a little campfire. It is a delightfully easy sipper that's ideally served neat. But since I love cocktails, I tried it in a Manhattan (fantastic) and a Sazerac (really nice and pleasantly fruity) and both were delicious.

I suspect that as this bottle gets a little more headspace inside it, a more choleric personality may overshadow its current phlegmatic posture, but we'll see. (In my recent review of the Old Overholt 12-Year Cask Strength Rye, I detailed how flavor complexity comes to those who wait patiently.) You can count on me to keep a similar watch on this one.

BRAND NOTES

Crafted to showcase Rye Whiskey in its purest form, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye reveals aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses, followed by a complex palate of stewed fruits and cinnamon. The finish lingers with nutmeg and a generous burst of rye spice, delivering a warm, satisfying close that reflects its extended aging and meticulous barrel selection.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.