Whisky Advocate
Whiskey of the Year
David Fleming, Executive Editor, on Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye —
Whisky Advocate's 2025 Whiskey of the Year
About Elijah Craig
One of the most award-winning families of premium Bourbons and Ryes — now with its inaugural Barrel Proof Rye crowned Whisky Advocate's reigning Whiskey of the Year.
Known as "The Father of Bourbon," Rev. Elijah Craig established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in Georgetown, Kentucky — pioneering the charred oak barrel aging that defines American whiskey today. Since 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery has carried forward the same hand-selected barrel craftsmanship.
Whiskey of the Year
2025
Established
1789
Distillery
Heaven Hill
Release
Batch A925
Batch A925
Barrel Proof Rye
The inaugural Barrel Proof Rye from Elijah Craig — uncut, non-chill filtered, and bottled at full cask strength after 12 years and 3 months in charred oak.
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey · Bardstown, KY
“Our signature Elijah Craig spice and complexity shine through beautifully in our inaugural Barrel Proof Rye, in an approachable way that makes it ideal for barrel proof first-timers and experienced palates alike.”
— Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller, Elijah Craig Bourbon
From Barrel to Bottle
The Recipe
Elijah Craig's rye mash bill — 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley.
Aging
Exactly 12 years and 3 months in charred oak barrels before hand selection.
Bottling
Pulled straight from the barrel — uncut and non-chill filtered to preserve natural cask oils.
Proof
Bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV), full strength and unadulterated.
The Mash Bill
A high-corn rye recipe that leans remarkably sweet — approachable for a barrel proof rye.
Tasting Notes
The Flavor Profile
Thanks to the mash bill and long 12-year maturation, A925 is soft, sweet, and inviting — complex without being overwhelming.
Nose
Soft and buttery, with brown sugar, vanilla, and sweet old oak.
Palate
Honey, toasted sugar, and baking spices over subtle white pepper and rye spice.
Finish
Long, warm, and lingering — sweet oak and baking spice in balance.
The Inaugural Barrel Proof Rye
Batch A925
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A925 is the inaugural release of Elijah Craig's Barrel Proof Rye — the first barrel proof Kentucky straight rye in the portfolio, bottled uncut and non-chill filtered to preserve every note of flavor and natural cask character.
Proof
108
Age
12 Yrs, 3 Mo
ABV
54%
Batch
A925
Crack the Code
The name uses Elijah Craig's signature batching code: "A" indicates the first release of the year, "9" denotes the release month (September), and "25" specifies the year (2025).
Release
Month
Year
First release of the year
September
2025
Recognition and Acclaim
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye has been named Whisky Advocate's 2025 Whiskey of the Year, topping the publication's coveted Top 20 list — the first time a rye whiskey has earned the highest honor.
#1 Top 20
Whisky Advocate
Whiskey of the Year 2025 · Barrel Proof Rye A925
First Rye Whiskey of the Year
Whisky Advocate
Historic category first
Best Small Batch Bourbon
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Best Single Barrel Bourbon
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Elijah Craig Single Barrel · Aged 11+ years
“To have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye recognized as Whisky of the Year during our 90th anniversary year is profoundly meaningful. For nine decades, our family has remained committed to elevating American Whiskey with patience, integrity, and a deep respect for tradition.”
— Max L. Shapira, Executive Chairman, Heaven Hill Brands
“We are honored to see Elijah Craig's first-ever Barrel Proof Rye recognized at the highest level. To be chosen as Whisky of the Year is a proud milestone for our entire team and we thank Whisky Advocate for the recognition and the value they provide to all whiskey fans.”
— Max Stefka, AVP Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill
Since 1789
Craftsmanship & Legacy
The Father of Bourbon
Rev. Elijah Craig pioneers charred oak barrel aging in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Small Batch Begins
Heaven Hill Master Distillers hand-select barrels — long before "small batch" existed.
Whiskey of the Year
Barrel Proof Rye becomes the first rye ever named Whisky Advocate's Whiskey of the Year.