Elijah Craig Rye is not classified as a bourbon, but rather as a rye whiskey. While bourbon and rye are both types of whiskey, they have distinct differences in their production processes and ingredients.
To be considered bourbon, a whiskey must meet certain legal requirements set by the U.S. government. These requirements include being made from a mashbill that consists of at least 51% corn, being aged in new charred oak barrels, and meeting specific criteria for proof and aging. Bourbon is known for its sweet and rich flavor profile, often characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
On the other hand, rye whiskey, like Elijah Craig Rye, must have a mashbill that is primarily made up of rye grain. In the case of Elijah Craig Rye, it is made from a mashbill that contains at least 51% rye, which is the minimum requirement by law. This makes it a “barely legal rye” mashbill, as it just meets the minimum rye content needed to be classified as rye whiskey.
The use of a higher percentage of rye in the mashbill gives rye whiskey a distinct flavor profile compared to bourbon. Rye whiskey tends to have a spicier and drier taste, with notes of pepper, herbs, and sometimes even fruit or floral undertones. It can offer a bold and robust flavor experience that appeals to those who enjoy a bit more complexity and intensity in their whiskey.
Elijah Craig Rye is part of Heaven Hill's portfolio of rye whiskies, which also includes Pikesville Rye and Rittenhouse Rye. These brands share the same 51% rye mashbill, making them similar in terms of their rye content and flavor profile. However, each brand may have its own unique aging process, barrel selection, and other factors that contribute to its individual character.
While Elijah Craig Rye is not a bourbon, it is a rye whiskey that is made from a 51% rye mashbill, which is the minimum rye content required by law. Its flavor profile will exhibit the spiciness and complexity typically associated with rye whiskies.