Elijah Craig Releases 108-Proof Bourbon for PGA Championship Return to Aronimink
SPORTS
108-Proof 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon.
Elijah Craig has announced its 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon to celebrate the championship's return to Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, from May 14 to 17. Bottled at 108 proof from a small batch of barrels pulled from Heaven Hill Distillery's N and S rickhouses, the new release honors the championship's 108th edition.
The bourbon delivers the signature warm spice and smooth character that Elijah Craig Small Batch fans recognize, with elevated intensity. It opens with inviting aromas of vanilla, clove, cinnamon, and citrus, followed by layered notes of butterscotch, ripe berries, and baking spices on the palate. The finish is rich and warm, marked by lingering sweetness and complex spice.
Partnership Highlights Shared Craftsmanship
"Elijah Craig's strong partnership with PGA of America brings together the best in golf and the best in bourbon, and reflects our shared spirit of craftsmanship and dedication," said Max Stefka, AVP of Global Whiskey Brands at Heaven Hill. "We look forward to toasting a glass of this 108-proof small batch bourbon to mark the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink."
The bottle features a distinctive design with special labels that showcase Elijah Craig's "Official Bourbon" designation alongside the official 2026 PGA Championship logo. The bottle is finished with a signature gold coin cork bearing Aronimink Golf Club's official logo.
Deep Ties to Golf
"Elijah Craig plays an instrumental role in bringing the PGA Championship experience to life," said Ernie Vilar, PGA of America Senior Director of Global Partnerships. "The PGA of America is proud to continue our partnership with this iconic brand, offering spectators both at-home and along the fairways the opportunity to toast this year's historic return to Aronimink with Elijah Craig's award-winning bourbon."
Elijah Craig continues to expand its presence in the golf world through partnerships with PGA Tour professionals, including Robert MacIntyre and J.T. Poston, who proudly represent the brand. The company is also recognized as the official bourbon of the PGA of America, the Ryder Cup, and the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and as an official partner of the PGA National Club Championship.
These relationships underscore the brand's deep ties to the sport, rooted in the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that define both golf and every bottle of Elijah Craig bourbon.
Limited Availability
The 108-Proof 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon is now shipping in limited quantities to retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $36.99.
Elijah Craig is one of the most award-winning families of premium bourbons and ryes. Its inaugural Barrel Proof Rye release in 2025 is Whisky Advocate's reigning Whiskey of the Year. The brand's namesake, Reverend Elijah Craig, is known as "The Father of Bourbon," having established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern-day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels.
The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery's Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term "small batch" even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor.
The brand's accolades include Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon aged 11 plus years, and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.