Released as a special limited edition for this year’s Ryder Cup and to honor the state of New York, the Elijah Craig Small Batch – Ryder Cup Limited Edition 2025 was aged first in 53-gallon charred American White Oak barrels and then is finished for 8 weeks with toasted sugar maple and toasted applewood staves separately before being vatted together for the flavors to marry. It doesn’t have an age statement and is bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). It has the standard Small Batch mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
A dark copper/amber in the glass with superb viscosity and mouthfeel, this bourbon has aromas and flavors of dark maple syrup, dark honey, hints of apple, honey roasted nuts, honeyed caramel and vanilla, cocoa/dark chocolate, crème brûlée, dried cherries & cherry skins, sweet tobacco leaf, leather, a blast of toasted oak/barrel/wood sugars sweetness, and a light smokiness. It also has a long finish of over 12 seconds.
This bottle of Elijah Craig marks my “full circle” moment in my bourbon exploration journey so far. The regular Elijah Craig Small Batch was one of my first two bourbons after over 15 years away from all spirits and all alcohol. Last year, though I found the aroma profile pleasant, all I could taste was wet, burnt/charred wood and drying oak tannins – I didn’t enjoy it at all. But my bourbon palate has evolved a lot since that time and I’m really liking this Elijah Craig, my first from the brand since that first experience with it last year. Progress always makes you feel good.
I consider this a new addition to my “Milestone Whiskies” list.
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