Don’t know what Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week 2024 is about? Check out our Old Fashioned Week podcast from last year. We feature Lynn House, National Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill with special host Bob Cutler from Cocktails with Friends Podcast.
BARDSTOWN, Ky. Elijah Craig Bourbon is excited to announce the return of its fifth annual Old Fashioned Week. This is a national celebration that highlights the original whiskey cocktail: the Old Fashioned. Taking place from October 11–20, 2024, this 10-day event invites bourbon enthusiasts across the U.S. to visit participating bars and restaurants for the perfect spirit-forward Old Fashioned, crafted with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. For every Old Fashioned purchased, Elijah Craig will donate $1 to the Southern Smoke Foundation. This organization provides emergency support and mental health services to the hospitality community. Donations are capped at $100,000.
Supporting the Hospitality Community
Elijah Craig has raised over $400,000 for hospitality workers since the launch of Old Fashioned Week in 2020. They achieved this through partnerships with organizations like the Southern Smoke Foundation. This year, Elijah Craig’s U.S. campaign is mirrored in Canada and the U.K., with proceeds benefiting respective hospitality nonprofits: Canada’s Bartenders Benevolent Fund and the U.K.’s The Drinks Trust.
Max Stefka, Group Product Director of Elijah Craig, explains, “By enjoying a classic Old Fashioned, you’re giving back to the hospitality community, helping to directly support bartenders, chefs, and staff who bring these experiences to life.” With Elijah Craig’s unique blend of warm spice and subtle smoke, the cocktail experience is further elevated, providing depth to the Old Fashioned’s signature flavor.
Join Old Fashioned Week: Where to Find Participating Bars
Consumers are encouraged to find local venues through the “Find a Bar” tool on oldfashionedweek.com, where participating establishments offer unique riffs on the Elijah Craig Old Fashioned. With an estimated 7,000 venues joining the 2024 event, bourbon fans have ample opportunities to explore Elijah Craig cocktails.
For those interested in creating their own unique Old Fashioned, Elijah Craig is once again partnering with VinePair to host the “New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest,” giving bartenders a chance to showcase their creativity and compete for a $15,000 prize. Judges will assess drinks based on balance, flavor, aroma, innovation, and presentation, and top recipes will be included in Elijah Craig’s “Old Fashioned Week Cocktail Companion: Volume 2.”
Elijah Craig’s Signature Old Fashioned Recipe:
- 2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
- 0.25 oz. Simple Syrup
- 3 Dashes of Bitters
- Orange Swath & Brandied Cherry (optional)
Instructions: In a mixing glass, combine bitters, simple syrup, and Elijah Craig Bourbon with ice. Stir until chilled and strain over a large ice cube in a double Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange swath and a brandied cherry.
A Campaign to Elevate the Celebration
Elijah Craig is amplifying Old Fashioned Week with a national media campaign. It features ads on connected TV and digital video platforms like Hulu, Roku, ESPN, and Peacock. Retailers across the U.S. will also feature Elijah Craig Old Fashioned displays, offering all the ingredients to make the perfect cocktail at home.
About Elijah Craig Bourbon
Named after Reverend Elijah Craig, the “Father of Bourbon,” this award-winning brand is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery. Elijah Craig is known for its robust body. It has a smooth finish. The bourbon has become a go-to choice for cocktail lovers and connoisseurs alike. Elijah Craig Bourbon has received multiple awards. It includes Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year. It also earned top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Raise a Glass for a Good Cause
Old Fashioned Week 2024 is more than a celebration of an iconic cocktail; it’s a tribute to the bartenders, chefs, and service staff who create memorable hospitality experiences. Elijah Craig encourages all bourbon lovers to participate. Raise a glass and support a community that has been the backbone of social gatherings. Share your cocktails and tag @ElijahCraig and #OldFashionedWeek on social media to be featured on the brand’s channels.
For more details on Elijah Craig and to locate a participating venue, visit oldfashionedweek.com.
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