Elijah Craig is credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels, earning his place in history as the 'Father of Bourbon.' The charred barrel transformed the clear liquid inside into an intense amber whiskey made rich with the flavors of the wood which we now recognize as Bourbon. Today, we honor his innovative spirit with Elijah Craig Rye: The first extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to join Elijah Craig’s award-winning lineup. While the distillation process for Elijah Craig Straight Rye is similar to Elijah Craig's Small Batch Bourbon, the difference lies in the mashbill which contains 51% rye grain instead of corn: the legal requirement for this style of American Whiskey. Featuring a mashbill that balances the spiciness of rye grains with the sweetness of corn, this Straight Rye celebrates Elijah Craig’s bold and innovative spirit. Its special combination of grains, combined with a steadfast attention to detail throughout the aging and selection process, give Elijah Craig Rye the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness.