Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig is a premium Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey brand owned by Heaven Hill Distillery, producing eight expressions from Small Batch to ultra-aged Single Barrels (15, 18, 21 years). It serves bourbon enthusiasts, golf fans, bartenders, and gift consumers across US retail, DTC e-commerce, and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersBardstown, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Elijah Craig does
Elijah Craig is a premium American whiskey brand owned and produced by Heaven Hill Distillery at its Bardstown, Kentucky facility. Founded in 1986 as one of the original small batch bourbons, the brand traces its name and positioning to Reverend Elijah Craig, credited in 1789 as the first distiller to age whiskey in charred oak barrels—hence the 'Father of Bourbon' identity. The portfolio spans eight primary expressions: Small Batch (the 94-proof signature), Straight Rye (51% rye), Toasted Barrel and Toasted Rye (double-barreled expressions finished in custom-toasted new oak barrels via an Independent Stave Company partnership), Barrel Proof and Barrel Proof Rye (uncut, unfiltered releases with varying proof and batch numbering), and an aged Single Barrel lineup at 15, 18, and 21 years. Production relies on Level 3 charred oak barrels (40-second char), Kentucky limestone water, and open-air multi-floor rickhouse aging with no climate control.
The business operates a multi-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer e-commerce at store.elijahcraig.com (shipping to 17+ US states), wholesale retail and on-premise distribution nationwide, Instacart/UberEats/DoorDash delivery partnerships, and a flagship retail/tasting venue at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown. Pricing ranges from $36.99 SRP for commemorative Small Batch releases to $299.99 MSRP for the 21-Year-Old Single Barrel, with the majority of the core line at $54.99–$74.99 SRP. Brand strategy is anchored on golf, with Elijah Craig holding Official Bourbon designations at the PGA Championship, PGA of America, Ryder Cup, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and PGA National Club Championship, supported by ambassadors including J.T. Poston, Robert MacIntyre, Max Homa, and Amanda Balionis. Secondary marketing includes the annual Old Fashioned Week (raising nearly $500,000 for hospitality workers since 2020), an ESPN Peyton's Places Season 5 sponsorship, and co-branded lifestyle collaborations. The brand has earned multiple Whisky of the Year honors (2017, 2025) and an extensive catalog of Double Gold/Platinum competition medals.
Elijah Craig firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Elijah Craig
- Legal name
- Heaven Hill Distillery
- Website
- https://elijahcraig.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Elijah Craig is a premium Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey brand owned by Heaven Hill Distillery, producing eight expressions from Small Batch to ultra-aged Single Barrels (15, 18, 21 years). It serves bourbon enthusiasts, golf fans, bartenders, and gift consumers across US retail, DTC e-commerce, and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Elijah Craig industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Premium Bourbon and Rye Whiskey
- NAICS
- Distilleries (312140), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (4453)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Alcohol, Tobacco & Cannabis Inventory-led Online Retailers (CRAFADAO), Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF)
Keywords
Where Elijah Craig is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bardstown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Elijah Craig business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Whiskey Product Sales: Elijah Craig generates primary revenue through sales of its bourbon and rye whiskey expressions. Products are sold through direct online orders shipped to consumers, wholesale to retail stores and liquor distributors, and at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience visitor center.
- Licensing & Merchandise: Revenue from branded merchandise collaborations including the B. Draddy apparel collection and branded barware, clothing, and home goods sold through the Heaven Hill Distillery Shop.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Elijah Craig Small Batch (signature expression) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Toasted Barrel Bourbon |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Toasted Rye Whiskey |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Barrel Proof Bourbon |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Barrel Proof Rye |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 18-Year-Old Single Barrel |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 21-Year-Old Single Barrel |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Elijah Craig product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Elijah Craig produces and sells a portfolio of premium Kentucky straight bourbon and rye whiskeys under the Heaven Hill Distillery umbrella. The lineup includes Small Batch (signature 94-proof bourbon aged in Level 3 charred oak barrels), Barrel Proof, Barrel Proof Rye, Straight Rye, Toasted Barrel, Toasted Rye, and aged Single Barrel expressions (15-, 18-, and 21-year-old). Products are sold through the brand's online store, US and Canadian retail channels, and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience visitor center.
Product overview
Elijah Craig is a family of premium American whiskeys produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The product portfolio spans eight distinct expressions: Small Batch (signature 94-proof Bourbon aged in Level 3 charred oak barrels), Straight Rye (51% rye grain whiskey), Toasted Barrel (double-barreled Bourbon finished in custom-toasted oak), Toasted Rye (double-barreled rye finished in toasted oak), Barrel Proof (uncut Bourbon straight from the barrel), Barrel Proof Rye (first-ever barrel proof rye whiskey), and a Single Barrel lineup featuring 15, 18, and 21-year-old aged expressions. The brand also extends into cocktail experiences through Clean Cocktails (light refreshing serves) and annually hosts Old Fashioned Week to support hospitality workers. Elijah Craig is known as the 'Father of Bourbon' for pioneering barrel charring in 1789.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Elijah Craig Small Batch The award-winning signature bourbon, pulled from hand-selected barrels and aged in Level 3 charred oak barrels. 94 proof. Designed for bourbon connoisseurs and casual whiskey fans alike.
- Elijah Craig Straight Rye Extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey with a 51% rye grain bill, balancing spicy rye with sweet corn. A core expression for cocktail and sipping use.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon finished in a second custom-toasted new oak barrel for added layer of sweet oak complexity. SRP $54.99.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Spice-forward Straight Rye Whiskey finished in custom-toasted new oak barrels for extra oak flavor. SRP $54.99.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each batch labeled with unique proof, batch number, and age statement. SRP $74.99.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye First-ever Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey. Straight Rye uncut, straight from the barrel, bottled with unique age statement and variable proof per release. SRP $74.99.
- Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Complex Single Barrel Bourbon bottled at 108 proof, with dark fruit, roasted nuts, toasted oak, and crème brûlée notes.
- Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Rare Single Barrel Bourbon bottled solely from one expertly chosen barrel. Bottled at 90 proof, with notes of vanilla fudge, honey, orchard fruits, and toasted wood.
- Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel Ultra-aged limited release Bourbon shaped by over two decades of patient aging, bottled at 94 proof. Tasting notes of toasted oak, leather, milk chocolate, burnt caramel, and aged oak. MSRP $299.99.
- Clean Cocktails Collection Assortment of light and fresh cocktail serves including Branch Water, Soursop Spritz, Island Fizz, and Carrot Crush, designed to let the smoothness of the bourbon shine for summer and mindful sipping occasions.
Quantifiable outcome
- First rye whiskey to win Whisky Advocate's Whisky of the Year (2025)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Elijah Craig
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Elijah Craig technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Elijah Craig partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Bob MacIntyrecoreScottish professional golfer partners with Elijah Craig to encourage whiskey fans to 'Go American' on International Whiskey Day, promoting bourbon over Scotch.
- B. Draddy (Summit Golf Brands)minorLimited-edition apparel collaboration featuring custom embroidery and screen-printing on polos, layers, and outerwear. Celebrates craftsmanship and heritage shared by both American brands.
- ESPN (Peyton's Places)minorPresenting sponsor of ESPN's Peyton's Places Season 5, starring Peyton Manning exploring NFL history and legends.
- Robert MacIntyre (Golf Ambassador)corePGA TOUR professional and 2-time Ryder Cup participant joins as golf ambassador. Favorites include Elijah Craig Ryes. Represents the brand at tournaments and participates in private barrel selection for Clubhouse Collection.
- J.T. Poston (Golf Ambassador)corePGA TOUR professional and 3-time winner joins as golf ambassador. Favorite expressions include Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old and Toasted Barrel. Participated in Clubhouse Collection private barrel selection.
- Independent Stave CompanycorePartnership to develop custom-toasted new oak barrels for Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Toasted Rye expressions. Toast profiles unique to Elijah Craig with special heat treatment process.
- Ryder Cup EuropeflagshipMulti-year partnership making Elijah Craig the 'Official Bourbon' and Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup. Showcased at 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome and 2025 tournament in Farmingdale, NY. Limited edition commemorative bottles released for each event.
- PGA of AmericaflagshipMulti-year partnership making Elijah Craig the 'Official Bourbon' and whiskey supplier of the PGA of America, PGA Championship, and KPMG Women's PGA Championship, as well as 'Official Partner' of the PGA National Club Championship. Includes on-site activations, branded cocktails, and commemorative bottle releases.
- Max Homa (Golf Ambassador)corePGA TOUR professional serves as golf ambassador, representing Elijah Craig at tournaments and promotional events.
- Amanda Balionis (Brand Ambassador)coreCBS Sports broadcaster serves as brand ambassador for Elijah Craig, appearing at golf events and participating in Clubhouse Collection private barrel selection.
- Snake River Farmsminor'Whiskey & Wagyu' series pairing Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon with Snake River Farms premium Wagyu beef. Includes tasting events and pairing recommendations.
- Goose Island Beer CompanyminorUsed Elijah Craig barrels for aging Bourbon County Brand Stouts. 2018 collaboration used barrels that housed the award-winning 2017 Barrel Proof Bourbon. 2019 release aged in both Small Batch and Barrel Proof barrels.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Elijah Craig competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Buffalo Trace: Kentucky straight bourbon producer owned by Sazerac, offering a comparable portfolio spanning flagship bourbon, single barrel, and limited/antique collection expressions. Direct competitor in the small-batch and single-barrel premium bourbon segment, distributed through similar retail and on-premise channels.
- Maker's Mark: Iconic Kentucky small-batch bourbon (red wax-sealed bottle) owned by Beam Suntory, positioned at the premium bourbon price tier. Competes directly with Elijah Craig Small Batch for premium bourbon consumer occasions and shelf placement.
- Woodford Reserve: Premium Kentucky straight bourbon and rye from Brown-Forman, with extensive sports sponsorship (Kentucky Derby, PGA). Direct peer to Elijah Craig in both product positioning (premium small batch, double-oaked, rye) and experiential marketing (golf, equestrian).
- Four Roses: Kentucky straight bourbon producer with a strong small-batch and single-barrel portfolio, owned by Kirin. Competes with Elijah Craig in the small-batch bourbon segment and is also widely used in craft cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
- Wild Turkey: Kentucky bourbon and rye producer (Rare Breed barrel proof, Russell's Reserve) owned by Campari Group. Direct peer in the barrel proof and rye whiskey categories, with overlapping price points at $40–$80 SRP.
- Knob Creek: Beam Suntory's small-batch bourbon line, with a 9-year age statement, rye, and limited smoked expressions. Competes in the same small-batch and rye premium price tier as Elijah Craig, and shares the craft-cocktail consumer base.
- Bulleit Bourbon: Diageo-owned premium bourbon and rye brand positioned as a high-rye, craft-style whiskey. Competes in the same retail and on-premise accounts as Elijah Craig, with comparable mid-$30s SRP entry expressions and barrel-aged extensions.
- Eagle Rare: Sazerac's 10-year single-barrel bourbon, frequently allocated and a category benchmark for premium single-barrel offerings. Direct peer to Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old and 15-Year-Old in the premium allocated single-barrel segment.
- Blanton's: Sazerac's single-barrel bourbon often credited with popularizing the single-barrel bourbon category, with strong collector and secondary-market dynamics. Competes directly with Elijah Craig's single-barrel expressions for premium allocated bourbon shelf space.
Broad incumbents
- Heaven Hill (Evan Williams): Sister brand to Elijah Craig within Heaven Hill's portfolio, Evan Williams is the company's flagship bourbon. As the same parent organization, Heaven Hill allocates production, marketing, and distribution resources across both brands, making Evan Williams a portfolio peer for share-of-voice and Heaven Hill's broader bourbon strategy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Elijah Craig social profiles
Digital presenceElijah Craig financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Elijah Craig leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Elijah Craig funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Elijah Craig M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Elijah Craig
What does Elijah Craig do?
Elijah Craig produces and sells a portfolio of premium Kentucky straight bourbon and rye whiskeys under the Heaven Hill Distillery umbrella. The lineup includes Small Batch (signature 94-proof bourbon aged in Level 3 charred oak barrels), Barrel Proof, Barrel Proof Rye, Straight Rye, Toasted Barrel, Toasted Rye, and aged Single Barrel expressions (15-, 18-, and 21-year-old). Products are sold through the brand's online store, US and Canadian retail channels, and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience visitor center.
Is Elijah Craig a public or private company?
Elijah Craig is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Elijah Craig founded?
Elijah Craig was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Elijah Craig based?
Elijah Craig is headquartered in Bardstown, United States, in the North America region.
How does Elijah Craig make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Whiskey Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are licensing & Merchandise.
Who are Elijah Craig's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Knob Creek, Bulleit Bourbon, Eagle Rare and Blanton's. Heaven Hill (Evan Williams) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Elijah Craig have an API?
No public API is recorded for Elijah Craig.
What industry is Elijah Craig in?
Elijah Craig's product category is Premium Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRANAAAD, Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise), with a secondary code of CRAFADAO, Alcohol, Tobacco & Cannabis Inventory-led Online Retailers. Its NAICS code is 312140 and its SIC code is 5180.