Elijah Craig to Release Ryder Cup Bourbon in August 2027
The limited edition 100-proof spirit will debut ahead of the 100th anniversary of the historic golf tournament.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Golf
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Heaven Hill plans to release a special Elijah Craig bourbon in August 2027 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ryder Cup. The commemorative whiskey will be bottled at 100 proof.
Why it matters
The release serves to honor the centenary of the Ryder Cup while helping Heaven Hill expand its Elijah Craig brand within the European market. It bridges the gap between American distilling traditions and the tournament's 2027 host site in Ireland.
The bourbon features a mash bill of 78 percent corn, 12 percent malted barley, and 10 percent rye. It consists of base whiskey aged for 8 to 12 years in new charred American white oak barrels before the finishing process.
The players
Elijah Craig
This premium bourbon brand is produced by Heaven Hill and is known for its signature charred oak aging process.
Heaven Hill
Headquartered in Kentucky, this family-owned distillery is one of the largest independent producers of American whiskey.
The details
To impart a regional flavor profile, the distillery is aging virgin European Limousin oak staves on a hillside in County Limerick, Ireland, to expose them to the local climate. This custom wood serves as the finishing vessel for the spirit ahead of the tournament at Adare Manor.
Timeline
1927: The first Ryder Cup was held in Massachusetts.
1973: Ireland was invited to join the Ryder Cup teams.
1979: The Ryder Cup expanded to include continental Europe.
2023: The first Elijah Craig Ryder Cup edition was released.
August 2027: The Elijah Craig Ryder Cup 2027 edition will release.
Season Trajectory
This release marks a continuation of the brand's tie-in strategy following the 2023 edition, signaling a long-term partnership with the Ryder Cup. It positions Heaven Hill to capitalize on increased European visibility as the tournament approaches its centenary at Adare Manor.
Consumers should expect the 100-proof spirit to offer a distinct flavor profile compared to the standard 94-proof baseline Elijah Craig bourbon. Collectors and golf enthusiasts can look for potential retail availability as the August 2027 release date approaches.
The takeaway
This release reflects how major brands use high-profile sports anniversaries to create distinct, region-specific product variations. Enthusiasts can track the development of the 2027 tournament to gauge the timing and regional availability of such limited edition releases.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of professional golf and its partners, visit Golf.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maxim.
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