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. Its combination of spicy rye grains and sweet corn offer the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness.