Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel is one of the most consistently released high-aged bourbons in Kentucky — an annual limited bottling from Heaven Hill that has been earning awards since it was first introduced in 1994. Named after Reverend Elijah Craig, the Baptist minister credited as the "Father of Bourbon" for his early use of charred oak barrels, this expression represents Heaven Hill's standard for what 18 years in a single barrel can produce. From a warehouse inventory of over 1.1 million barrels — the second largest American whiskey holdings in the world — Master Distillers select only barrels rested at low storage that pass their rigorous nosing and taste criteria before being bottled individually.

Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel and carries its own bottling date and barrel number — making every bottle unique. The mash bill is Heaven Hill's traditional recipe of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, aged in new charred American white oak and bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). This is one of very few high-aged single barrel bourbons released annually by any distillery in Kentucky. Double Gold and Best Bourbon — San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep amber with rich copper tones — 18 Kentucky seasons in one glance

Nose: Rich and inviting — caramel, dark chocolate, toasted oak, vanilla, and orange. Honey, dried cherry, and cinnamon develop with time. Balanced sweetness against aged oak character.

Palate: Richly textured and nutty — caramel, vanilla, toasted wood, honey, baking spice, and fruit. Notes of plum, dried apple, and a hint of coffee round out the complexity. Surprisingly well-balanced for its age.

Finish: Long and engaging — rye spice and dry oak lead, trailing off to vanilla, pepper, and warm char.

FAQ

What makes Elijah Craig 18 Year different from the small batch?
The 18 Year is a single barrel expression — every drop in the bottle comes from one individually selected cask, making each bottle unique with its own barrel number and bottling date. It also carries a minimum 18-year age statement, making it one of the oldest regularly released bourbons in Kentucky.

How is the barrel selected?
Heaven Hill's Master Distillers hand-select only barrels that have been rested at low warehouse storage and pass strict nosing and taste criteria. From over 1.1 million aging barrels, only those that balance oak with sweet and spicy grain notes make the cut.

Where can I buy Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.