Heaven Hill Distillery has announced the UK launch of its Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel (47% ABV) is said to enhance the brand’s signature Small Batch Bourbon with an additional layer of sweet oak complexity.

This latest release has been created using fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch, which was transferred into a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with the Independent Stave Company.

Crafted from 18-month air-dried oak, the finishing barrels were first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate temperature and toast time. This final barrel toast profile brings out dark sugar flavours from within the wood, creating a balance of smokiness and sweetness after several months of finishing.

Commenting on the release, Max Stefka, Associate Vice President, Elijah Craig Bourbon, said: “It was a pleasure collaborating with the Independent Stave Company to create a custom toast profile and char level designed to best complement fully matured Elijah Craig. Twice-barrelled for nuanced flavour, Toasted Barrel showcases a Straight Bourbon process unique in the marketplace.”

He went on to say: “In 1789, Elijah Craig was the first to char oak barrels to make Bourbon, earning his place in history as the ‘Father of Bourbon’. Toasted Barrel celebrates this pioneering spirit by pushing the Bourbon barrel-ageing process a step further and creating something truly unique.”

Following the success of its US launch, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is now available in the UK, priced at £49.75 from The Whisky Exchange and £52.99 from Amazon.