
THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF ELIJAH CRAIG

All Bourbons are crafted from four essential
elements: Grain, Water, Fire & Time. But it takes
expertise and ingenuity to transform them into
unique and award-winning whiskeys. Our Master
Distillers add “The Human Element.” In their
hands, every expression of Elijah Craig is truly
greater than the sum of its parts.
GRAIN
We use malted barley, rye, and local corn in all of our signature recipes, or “mashbills.” All straight Bourbons begin with a mashbill that is at least 51% corn; but by giving that edge to rye grains, our Master Distillers have created the first Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey.
Learn how we balance the sweetness
of corn with the spiciness of rye.
WATER
Adding Kentucky limestone water to our mashbill is key to the fermentation process; but evaporation is equally important to the aging process. How much water escapes from a barrel affects the proof of the Bourbon inside. Taking it uncut from the barrel, like our Master Distillers do with Barrel Proof, preserves all the natural flavors of the aging process.
Explore the variances in proof
from
batch to batch.
FIRE
Our new oak barrels are fired for 40 seconds to achieve a Level 3 char: creating rich, aromatic layers that give our Small Batch its signature warm spice & subtle smoke flavor. But charring isn’t the only way we treat our barrels. Left to toast over an open flame for a precise amount of time, they can add even more sweet oak complexity to our Bourbon.
Watch how our custom finishing
process
transforms our Bourbon.
TIME
Most Bourbons are aged for 4 to 6 years; but a rare few are allowed to stand the test of time. Left to weather the Kentucky elements year over year, the Bourbon in these barrels develops a deep, rich flavor. Our Master Distillers are willing to wait a long time to bring you the contents of a single, expertly chosen barrel.
See how patience and perseverance
create
a Bourbon of exceptional quality.

VISIT US
See where our essential elements come together.
Plan a trip to the Bourbon Heritage Center.

Discover more
GREATNESS WITHIN
Explore our blog to learn more about
the makings of Elijah Craig.