New Elijah Craig Small Batch Bottles: What Better Excuse is There to Buy More Bourbon?

By Sam Slaughter Published July 19, 2021

Need a new bourbon in your life?

Well, Elijah Craig (produced by Heaven Hill) just released their Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon in a new bottle. If you’re a bourbon lover, or a history of bourbon lover, or you need to make it up to your father-in-law for not dropping the Deflategate thing during the last game when you could clearly see his blood pressure rising, this might be the one.

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Elijah Craig Small Batch is made exclusively from batches of 200 barrels or less of 8-year-old to 12-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey. A large percent of the whiskey used comes from the older barrels. Even with the new bottling, the mash bill, proprietary yeast, proof, and aging regimen remain the same.

One of the biggest differences? It’s now available nationwide. (It’s okay, you can do a happy dance if you want. I’ll wait.)

According to the company, the new bottle is made from a custom mold that is taller and has cleaner lines, a nod to today’s discerning bourbon drinker. You’ll find the year 1789—the year that Reverend Elijah Craig, the “Father of Bourbon,” founded the distillery” embossed on the bottle as well. For those that don’t know, Craig was the one who was responsible for pioneering the use of charred oak barrels for aging whiskey.

The label, too, is different—smaller, this time—and contains the Reverend’s signature as well as the product information. The cork closure, which was a feature of the previous bottle, is now stained dark brown.

For those that haven’t had Elijah Craig Small batch yet, the nose is complex, with vanilla, ripe fruits, and hints of mint intermingling. The palate is warming, with oak, spice, and smoke flavors. The bourbon is rounded out with a long, sweet finish.

Finally, if you’re still not convinced that you should be finding your keys to get in the car and get to the liquor store right now, there are the awards to go with the bourbon: a Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Double Gold Medal & “Best Bourbon in Show” at 2016 Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, and a 92 (Excellent/Highly Recommended) at the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…

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