Elijah Craig has released a new extra-aged Kentucky straight rye whiskey expression in Australia.

Elijah Craig Rye is made as a traditional American Straight Rye Whiskey with 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. This combination of grains – which relies heavily on corn as a secondary grain, rather than a higher percentage of rye – has been the primary rye mashbill used by Kentucky Bourbon distilleries since the immediate post-prohibition era.

“The whiskey’s unique blend of spicy rye grains and sweet corn gives it the perfect balance of flavour and smoothness,” said Heaven Hill Distillery Heaven Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll.

“Hill Distillery’s commitment to quality has helped set the stage for rye’s resurgence through carefully curating the balance of grains which consumers have come to desire. Elijah Craig Rye celebrates the heritage of rye whiskey in Kentucky and adds another high-quality option to an award-winning line up of specially crafted whiskeys.”

The rye whiskey is distinctly chestnut in colour, with on-the-nose notes of dark chocolate, spices, and a subtle hint of smoke. To taste, there is an initial hit of rich baking spices coupled with the warmth and sweetness of honey, before this transitions to a smooth oak finish.

“We are so pleased to expand the Elijah Craig trademark in Australia through the launch of Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey,” Amber Beverage Australia Head of Marketing Tanya Mah said.

“While tapping into the recent resurgence and growth of the rye whiskey category, we’re offering something that is distinctive and exciting, to stand out in the market, yet crafted with the same dedication and expertise that has defined Elijah Craig for generations.”

The whiskey is available for purchase through boozebud.com at RRP $93.90.

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