Elijah Craig Unveils World-First 40% Small Batch Bourbon, Crafted for Australia
A lighter, more versatile Bourbon created exclusively for Australian drinkers
Elijah Craig's producer, Heaven Hill Distillery, has made history with the launch of a new and tailored-made Small Batch expression at a lower ABV, created exclusively for Australia. It’s the first time the “Father of Bourbon” has released a lower proof expression—putting Australian drinkers at the centre of Bourbon’s global evolution.
Handcrafted by Heaven Hill's Master Distillers and aged in level 3 charred oak barrels, this new expression offers silky notes of vanilla, caramel and sun-ripened fruit wrapped in toasted oak, before finishing with a spark of spice and a wisp of smoke. It’s smooth, versatile, and purpose-built for today’s drinkers.
“Australians are discovering Bourbon at record pace, and Elijah Craig is proud to lead that journey,” said Grant Shearon, Heaven Hill APAC Brand Ambassador. “With excise rates continuing to climb, this new Elijah Craig Small Batch makes our award-winning Bourbon more versatile and more accessible, while staying true to the craftsmanship and heritage that has made Elijah Craig a global icon.”
The new expression strengthens Elijah Craig’s footprint in Australia while offering newcomers an accessible entry point to one of Kentucky’s most respected distilleries, without compromising character or craft. Importantly, the move also responds directly to Australia’s rising excise rates: the new Elijah Craig Small Batch expression delivers more accessible pricing and easier pouring options for venues, while still capturing the spirit of the distillery.
Golden amber in colour, Elijah Craig Small Batch 40% offers aromas of vanilla and summer fruits on the nose. On the palate, smooth caramel and toasted oak flow into gentle spice and soft smoke, making it an easy fit for a refreshing highball, your go-to Old Fashioned, or simply enjoyed neat.
The launch further expands Elijah Craig’s footprint in Australia, joining the line-up of Toasted Barrel, Barrel Proof, Straight Rye and the rare 18-Year-Old Single Barrel. With the 40% release now pouring, Australians can experience Elijah Craig across the full spectrum; from casual sipping to prestige bottlings treasured by collectors.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce these five unique expressions of Elijah Craig to whiskey lovers in Australia,” said Master Distiller Conor O’ Driscoll. “From the approachable smoothness of our Small Batch Bourbon to the bold complexity of our Barrel Proof and the rare elegance of our 18-Year-Old Single Barrel, we’ve ensured there’s something for every palate. This expansion allows Australians to experience firsthand why our whiskeys continue to set the standard for quality, craftsmanship and innovation.”
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon 40% is NOW available for purchase through Dan Murphy’s at RRP $79.99.
THE OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients:
- 60ml Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
- 10ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Aromatic Bitters
- Orange peel, to garnish
Stir all ingredients over ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Express orange oils over the top and drop the peel in.
“This is where cocktail culture began,” says Grant Shearon, Heaven Hill APAC Brand Ambassador. “The Old Fashioned is not just a drink—it’s a moment of respect to the spirit in the glass.”
THE REVOLVER A MODERN AUSTRALIAN TWIST ON THE MANHATTAN
Ingredients:
- 45ml Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey
- 15ml Seven Seasons Coffee Liqueur with honey & wattleseed
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
- Orange twist, to garnish
Stir all ingredients over ice until chilled. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist—flamed if you're feeling theatrical.
About Elijah Craig: Known as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Elijah Craig’s community impact continues z za Q1 www.oldfashionedweek.com, providing total donations of up to $400,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted
Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.
Website: http://www.elijahcraig.com
IG: @elijahcraig
FB: www.facebook.com/ElijahCraig
About Amber Beverage Group:
Amber Beverage Group is a rapidly growing global spirits company, whose products are found in millions of households and venues across the globe. The company has grown from its initial production business established in the Baltics in 1900 to become a global player in the alcoholic beverages sector, employing over 2000 people.
ABG’s core brands are Rooster Rojo® Tequila, KAH® Tequila, Moskovskaya® Vodka, The Irishman® Whiskey, Writers’ Tears® Whiskey and Riga Black Balsam®.
Amber Beverage Group produces, bottles, markets, distributes, exports, and retails a comprehensive range of beverages of which it owns more than 100 and is responsible for marketing and distributing 1,300 third-party drinks brands, spanning everything from premium vodka and sparkling wines to speciality Mexican tequilas and Irish whiskey.
The company operates in nearly 20 countries as well as the USA and Canada, including Austria, Australia, the Baltic States, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Website: www.amberbev.com
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY:
Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels ageing in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection.
Website: www.heavenhilldistillery.com
FB: www.facebook.com/heavenhilldistillery
