Elijah Craig 21 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Product Description

Elijah Craig 21 Year Single Barrel Bourbon: Original 90-Proof 21-Year Single Barrel Bourbon from the 1990 Vintage

Elijah Craig 21 Year Single Barrel Bourbon in this listing is the original 90-proof collectible release, confirmed by UPC 096749010202 and the attached legacy packaging. It should not be confused with the newer 94-proof reintroduction announced for 2026.

The original series was drawn one barrel at a time from bourbon distilled around 1990 and matured for 21 years in new charred American oak. Each label can identify a different barrel and bottling detail, so bottle-specific information should be checked before purchase or collection cataloging.

More than two decades in oak produces a wood-forward bourbon where leather, cocoa, nuts, caramel and spice can outweigh fresh grain sweetness. Single-barrel variation is significant, and condition, fill level and storage history matter for a legacy bottle.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Deep oak, leather, burnt caramel and cocoa, with toasted nuts, dried fruit and old spice.

Palate: Mature wood, milk chocolate, roasted nuts and caramel, supported by pepper, vanilla and dark fruit.

Finish: Long and drying, with peppery oak, leather, cocoa and lingering burnt sugar.

Food Pairings

• Dry-aged steak: rich meat and char stand up to extended oak maturation.
• Aged Parmesan: salt and umami balance tannin and leather.
• Walnut tart: toasted nuts reinforce the mature barrel profile.
• Dark chocolate: cocoa complements the whiskey without adding excess sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve neat in a clean tasting glass and allow ample air. Add only a few drops of water if necessary. Avoid cocktails unless the bottle has already been opened and collection value is not a concern.

Store upright in a cool, dark, stable environment. Protect the box and label, inspect the cork and fill level, and never lay an older whiskey bottle on its side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the new 2026 Elijah Craig 21 Year?
No. The UPC and packaging identify the original 90-proof legacy release, not the newer 94-proof reintroduction.

What is the proof?
The original bottle associated with UPC 096749010202 is 90 proof, or 45% ABV.

Is every bottle from the same barrel?
No. It is a single-barrel series, and individual bottles can come from different identified barrels.

What vintage is associated with the original release?
Whiskybase records for this UPC show bourbon distilled around 1990 and bottled after 21 years.

Does whiskey continue aging in the bottle?
No. Once bottled, it no longer matures like whiskey in a barrel, although poor storage can damage flavor and condition.

How should a collectible bottle be stored?
Keep it upright, cool, dark and stable, with the closure and presentation box protected.

Explore More

Discover more from Elijah Craig, or browse the Whiskey collection at Quality Liquor Store.

Sources of Information

• Whiskybase — Elijah Craig 21 Year UPC, 90-proof and single-barrel records
• Whiskybase — Original 1990-vintage Elijah Craig 21 Year record
• Food & Wine — 2026 reintroduction details distinguishing the new release

Quality Liquor Store guarantee

We stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. Quality Liquor Store has been trusted since 2013, and every order is handled with care from checkout to delivery. We inspect every bottle before shipping to ensure it meets our standards for authenticity, condition, and quality. All packages are professionally packed, insured, and protected throughout transit.