Elijah Craig Toasted Rye
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 3.75/5
Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co. (Heaven Hill)
Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey
Company: Elijah Craig Distillery Co. (Heaven Hill)
Release Date: August 2024
Proof: 94
Age: NAS
Color: Maple Syrup
MSRP: $60 (2024)
Mashbill: 51% Rye, 34% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the Elijah Craig Toasted Rye opens with sweet rye spice, reminiscent of pine trees and maple syrup, bringing back memories of the mash room during a distillery tour — think Makers Mark. The fruity notes lean towards orange rather than red fruits, accompanied by subtle toasted oak and a candy-like sweetness that gradually fades, leaving a pleasant toasted note.
The palate offers a juicy and light mouthfeel, coating the mouth well without overwhelming. A balanced mix of char, woodiness, and light sweetness emerges, with flavors of fruity orange and vanilla. The toasted profile is evident but doesn’t overpower, maintaining the classic Elijah Craig sweetness. It’s an easy-drinking rye that stays well-balanced without leaning too heavily into the rye spice unless sipped quickly.
The finish impresses with its depth at 94 proof, delivering a lingering flavor that settles nicely in the mouth. Notes of vanilla Tootsie Roll or raw marshmallow appear, along with a touch of sawdust and a strong dryness from the toasted oak. It’s not an overly complex finish, but it leaves a satisfying impression, particularly for a lower-proof rye.
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye offers a well-balanced, flavorful pour that stands out at its 94 proof. While it doesn’t deliver the punch some rye enthusiasts might seek, it shines with its subtle sweetness and pleasant toasted oak profile.
It’s a great choice for a weekend evening or for making an old-fashioned. At its price point, it’s well worth the MSRP, offering plenty of flavor without overwhelming the palate. Rye fans, especially those who appreciate a toasted finish, will find a lot to love here.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
The nose is sweet with the rye spice or pine tree undertones.
It smells like the room where the mash is cooked during the Makers Mark Tour.
As far as flavor notes it stays fruity but more orange than red fruit.
THE TASTE:
Might be the juiciest rye I have encountered. The mouth feel is light but coats the mouth very well.
There is a char and woodiness present that doesn't dry out the mouth and reminds me of camping.
It has a light overall sweetness that sticks to that fruity orange profile with a touch of vanilla.
THE FINISH:
I'm very happy that at 94 proof the finish is as good as it is!
The flavor really sinks into the mouth.
I get vanilla Tootsie roll or raw marshmallow with a touch of sawdust.
BUY OR PASS?
I really want to make an old fashioned with this. There is a lot of flavor for 94 proof. Its a rye, but it doesn't punch.
I thought it was an extremely well balanced pour. I could crush this on a weekend evening and I think it's well worth the price.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose kicks off with a nice rye spice and maple syrup combo, reminding me a lot of the Willet 4-year rye.
It’s got that sweetness and candy vibe with a light, but pleasing amount of oak.
The more you nose it, the sweetness fades and you're left with just toasted oak, which isn’t a bad thing.
THE TASTE:
There’s a pleasant syrupy coating on the mouth, with the classic Elijah Craig profile coming through.
It’s easy drinking, and the toasted flavor is there but balanced well, so it doesn’t taste charred or bitter.
It keeps that slight Elijah Craig sweetness, and while you can tell it’s a rye, the rye palate isn’t too strong unless you drink it quickly, then it really shifts to rye.
THE FINISH:
The toasted finish brings a lot of oak and a strong dryness.
Not much else comes through, maybe a slight hint of sweetness, but at 94 proof, I wasn’t expecting a lot.
BUY OR PASS?
Elijah Craig does toasted finishes just right for me—no overwhelming char or bitterness, just a pleasant oakiness.
I haven’t tried the regular Elijah Craig Rye because of the mixed reviews, but this toasted version is pretty good. That said, I still prefer the toasted bourbon. Rye fans might absolutely love this one, though.
