Elijah Craig has announced the launch of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The latest line extension from the Elijah Craig family, Toasted Barrel adds an extra layer of sweet oak complexity to the traditional bourbon, the company says.

The process begins with fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom-toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time.

Altogether this brings forward dark sugar flavors within the wood to create a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing, the company reports. Other flavor notes include spice and pepper notes that fade into milk chocolate with a hint of smoke as the finish lingers with chocolate and baking spices.

“Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel pays homage to our namesake’s pioneering spirit as the first to char oak barrels through thoughtful innovation in the barrel-aging process,” says Max Stefka, Elijah Craig senior brand manager. “It was a pleasure partnering with Independent Stave Company to create a custom toast profile and char level designed to best complement fully matured Elijah Craig. Twice barreled for nuanced flavor, Toasted Barrel showcases a straight bourbon process unique in the marketplace.”

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is bottled at 94 proof, consistent with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey. Packaged in the recognizable Elijah Craig bottle, Toasted Barrel is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with smoky blue features, the company points out.

With a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750-ml. bottle, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel launches nationally on an allocated basis this September.