LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 18, 2025) – PGA TOUR® pro Max Homa, known for his humor and strong performance on the golf course, has teamed up with Elijah Craig to create a one-of-a-kind Bourbon expression. When he’s not perfecting his swing, Homa can be found enjoying the rich, sweet oak notes of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, which he has dubbed his “hands-down favorite.” So, when the opportunity arose to collaborate on a private barrel pick for his fans, he jumped at the chance.
The result is a truly exclusive Toasted Barrel pick that captures Homa’s love for craftsmanship, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence. The process begins with Elijah Craig’s renowned Small Batch Bourbon, which is then elevated by a second, custom toasted barrel. This step imbues the Bourbon with an additional layer of sweet oak complexity, creating a rich, full-bodied profile.
“Since the beginning of my partnership with Elijah Craig, fans have been asking for a barrel pick,” said six-time PGA TOUR® winner Max Homa. “All of the barrels I sampled were delicious which made the decision very difficult, but in the end my Toasted Barrel pick ultimately stood out with its rich creamy notes of butterscotch and vanilla alongside the classic oak smokiness and spice Elijah Craig is known for.”
For Max’s signature sip, the team followed the same finishing process, but with a unique twist—working with single barrels that were uncut and bottled at barrel proof. After sampling four carefully curated options alongside Elijah Craig Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, Homa stepped into the role for the day, ultimately selecting a standout 8-year-old Bourbon. This Bourbon, initially aged on the fifth floor of Heaven Hill’s Rickhouse M and finished for six months on the fifth floor of Warehouse H1, boasts an impressive 126.6 proof.
The result is a Bourbon with a depth of flavor that begins with the unmistakable aroma of toasted oak and sweet caramel. The finish is warm and satisfying, with lingering hints of chocolate and baking spices—perfectly embodying the signature toasted finish Elijah Craig fans know and love, while amplifying every rich note.
Max Homa’s exclusive Toasted Barrel pick is exclusively available to residents of Max’s home state of California, providing an opportunity for fans to enjoy a truly exceptional expression of Bourbon crafted by one of the game’s most talented athletes. Fans of both Elijah Craig and Max Homa can sign up to be the first to know when the release will be available for sale by visiting the Elijah Craig website. By providing contact information on the sign-up page, fans will receive an exclusive email with the limited opportunity to purchase the product. Note that joining the list is not a guarantee of purchase and product will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Please note that joining the list is not a guarantee of purchase.
ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who 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 and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye, 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. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com
