Elijah Craig Debuts History-Steeped Tavern Trail in Celebration of the Seventh Annual Old Fashioned Week

The 70-stop trail invites bourbon fans to discover historic taverns and modern gathering places while supporting hospitality workers in need

BARDSTOWN, Ky., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American whiskeys, today announced the return of Old Fashioned Week, now in its seventh year. Running from October 9 through October 18, the annual celebration honors the age-old cocktail and the hospitality professionals behind every serve. New for this year is the Old Fashioned Tavern Trail, a collection of taverns comprised of Old Fashioned Week participants across the US that foster community, connection and a love of great bourbon.

Founded in 2020 as a way for Elijah Craig to support hospitality workers in need, Old Fashioned Week is a 10-day celebration inviting bourbon fans from coast-to-coast to discover creative twists on the classic cocktail while supporting a worthy cause. One dollar from every Old Fashioned sold at participating establishments will benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation, which provides emergency relief and no cost mental health services to hospitality workers in need. To-date, Elijah Craig has pledged over $600,000 to Southern Smoke and other hospitality organizations with efforts extending across U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Aptly timed to America's 250th anniversary, the Old Fashioned Tavern Trail debuts as an extension of Old Fashioned Week as people and communities seek places to gather, share in one another's company and slow down over conversation and cocktails. Featuring a collection of participating Old Fashioned Week accounts among the over 12,000 who participate annually, the Tavern Trail spotlights 70 destinations across the country, ranging from historic, colonial-era taverns to modern third spaces keeping the timeless cocktail ritual alive. Bourbon fans and anyone looking for a reason to gather can discover the Old Fashioned Tavern Trail, and participating Old Fashioned Week bars, through the "Find a Bar" tool.

"Elijah Craig's Old Fashioned Week is a tribute to the iconic cocktail that has brought people together over generations and to the hospitality community that makes these moments possible," said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President, Elijah Craig Bourbon. "As consumers continue to prioritize analog experiences and moments of togetherness, Old Fashioned Week and the debut of the Tavern Trail, pay homage to the return of tavern culture, and the role they play in bringing communities together."

Credited as the "Father of Bourbon," Reverend Elijah Craig is believed to be the first to char his whiskey barrels to make Bourbon, creating the rich amber liquid and smooth flavor we know today. Elijah Craig Small Batch, the expression that started it all, makes an ideal Old Fashioned with its smooth and warm taste, spice-forward accents and long, sweet and slightly toasty finish.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG: Elijah Craig is one of the most award-winning families of premium Bourbons and Ryes. Its inaugural Barrel Proof Rye release (2025) is Whisky Advocate's reigning Whisky of the Year. The Reverend Elijah Craig, the brand's namesake, 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. Along with Whisky Advocate's Whiskey of the Year, the brand's accolades have included 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.

SOURCE Elijah Craig