Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye: 2025 Whisky of the Year

A Historic Moment for Rye: Elijah Craig Tops Whisky Advocate’s 2025 List

The award-winning premium American whiskey brand Elijah Craig is proud to announce that Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye has been named the 2025 Whisky of the Year by the prestigious publication Whisky Advocate, securing the top spot on its highly anticipated Top 20 list. This honor recognizes the exceptional quality of the brand's first-ever Barrel Proof Rye release and reinforces Elijah Craig’s position as a leader in American whiskey.

This achievement adds another milestone for Heaven Hill's Barrel Proof legacy. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon previously took home Whisky of the Year in 2017, while Larceny Barrel Proof achieved the top ranking in 2020. This year's win is particularly historic as it marks the first time a Rye Whiskey has received the top honor from Whisky Advocate, a significant moment for both the brand and the category.

A 12-Year Marriage of Maturity and Craftsmanship

As the first Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the Elijah Craig lineup, the September 2025 release showcases the brand’s signature richness, complexity, and uncompromising craft. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, the team selected barrels with extraordinary depth. This uncut, non-chill filtered whiskey aged for 12 years and 3 months and was bottled at 108 proof, quickly earning acclaim from enthusiasts and critics alike.

Celebrating a Pinnacle Milestone for Heaven Hill's 90th Anniversary

Max L. Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands, expressed personal pride in this milestone. "To have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye named Whisky of the Year during our 90th anniversary is incredibly meaningful," said Shapira. "For nine decades, our family has worked to elevate American whiskey with patience and integrity. This award is a tribute to the generations of artisans who built Heaven Hill and the bright future of American whiskey."

Designed to showcase rye in its purest form, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye offers aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses, followed by a palate of stewed fruits and cinnamon. The finish is long and satisfying, with notes of nutmeg and bold rye spice, reflecting its extended aging and meticulous barrel selection.

Max Stefka, Senior VP of Global Whiskey at Heaven Hill, noted that Batch A925 marks a new chapter for the Barrel Proof series, expanding the brand's commitment to delivering the most distinctive whiskies in the world.

📅 Release Date: 2025-12-30

🔗 Source: https://www.whiskyintelligence.com/2025/12/elijah-craig-barrel-proof-rye-named-whisky-advocates-2025-whisky-of-the-year/