Elijah Craig: The Father of Bourbon.

Every time someone thinks of bourbon, they can’t help but think of Elijah Craig. He is known as the “father of bourbon whiskey” and was born in Orange County, Virginia, in 1738. The world of whiskey will never be the same because of his amazing journey, willingness to take risks, and unwavering commitment to making the best spirits.

Elijah Craig’s journey with bourbon began when he moved to what is now Georgetown, Kentucky, in the late 1700s. It was there that he became a Baptist minister and a leader in the community, but it was his love of distilling that made him stand out. He is said to have found the magic of bourbon by accident when a fire burned some of his stored whiskey barrels. He didn’t throw away the ruined spirit; instead, he filled them with new distillate. This made the first bourbon aged in charred oak barrels, which changed the course of whiskey history forever. *

Thanks to Elijah Craig, the use of new, charred oak barrels is one of the things that makes bourbon unique. Putting bourbon through this process gives it its unique flavors and deep color. It is now against the law in the U.S. to make bourbon if it isn’t distilled to more than 160 proof, has at least 51% corn in it, and has been aged in new charred oak barrels.

Elijah Craig’s name is still remembered today through the bourbon brand that bears his name. Elijah Craig bourbon is made at Heaven Hill Distillery, which honors the pioneer’s commitment to quality and new ideas. The company makes many kinds of bourbon, like the well-known Elijah Craig Small Batch and Single Barrel, which are known for their strong and rich tastes.

From being a minister and community leader to a pioneering distiller, Elijah Craig’s life has made him a lasting symbol of the craft of making American whiskey. His desire to try new things and his dedication to quality have changed the bourbon world as we know it today. Take a moment to think about Elijah Craig’s amazing life the next time you enjoy a glass of bourbon. He set the standard for the spirit that has become an iconic American tradition. Cheers!

*While the story of the accidental charring of barrels leading to the creation of bourbon is a popular legend, there is no concrete historical evidence to definitively prove or disprove it.