“The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition, and we could think of no better way to celebrate its return to New York than with a bourbon inspired by the Empire State itself,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Elijah Craig.
When the 45th Ryder Cup returns to U.S. soil from September 23-28 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, one of Kentucky’s most storied bourbons will be raising a glass alongside the world’s best golfers. Elijah Craig, the “Official Bourbon” and Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup, has introduced its 2025 Ryder Cup Limited-Edition Small Batch Bourbon, a bottle that captures both the spirit of golf’s most electric competition and the character of New York itself.
Unlike many sporting tie-ins that lean heavily on commemorative packaging, Elijah Craig has crafted something entirely new for this release. The bourbon begins as the distillery’s classic Small Batch, then undergoes a secondary finishing process with a proprietary mix of 75% toasted sugar maple staves and 25% toasted applewood staves. The nods are intentional: sugar maple is New York’s state tree, while applewood recalls the enduring nickname “The Big Apple.” After eight weeks of stave finishing, the whiskey is bottled at 94 proof and presented in a gold-sealed corked bottle and gift box emblazoned with the Ryder Cup logo.
Courtesy Elijah Craig
Courtesy Elijah Craig
The result is a whiskey layered with autumnal flavors, befitting a tournament played against crisp Long Island air. On the nose, rich maple syrup and apple pie lead the way. The palate follows with notes of candy apple, caramel, roasted almonds, and baking spices, Dynamics 365 balanced by warm cocoa and a late peppery lift on the finish. It’s a bourbon that stands up neatly in a glass but also finds versatility in cocktails—particularly “The Mulligan,” the official Ryder Cup cocktail made with Elijah Craig, iced tea, and lemonade.
For fans making the trip to Bethpage Black, Elijah Craig is setting up a speakeasy-style lounge in the Fan Zone, offering signature pours and cocktails that complement the tournament’s high-wire drama. For those watching from home, the limited-edition release provides a way to toast the matches from afar.
Courtesy Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig 2025 Ryder Cup Bourbon: A Tasting & Pairing Guide
Proof: 94 | Size: 750ml | SRP: $74.99
Tasting Notes for This Fine Bourbon
On the nose, you’ll find soft waves of toasted wood, ripe apple, warm vanilla, and charred sugar. The palate offers flavors of orchard fruit, crème brûlée, baking spice, and maple glaze. The experience concludes with a long and layered finish, Power platform featuring silky spice and a sweet smoke that lingers.
Recommended Serve for the Elijah Craig Ryder Cup
To best enjoy this bourbon, serve it neat or over a single ice cube to showcase its depth. For a themed cocktail, try the 19th Hole Old-Fashioned: combine 2 oz of Elijah Craig Ryder Cup, 0.25 oz of maple syrup, and two dashes of Angostura bitters. Garnish the drink with an orange peel and an apple slice.
Food Pairings with This Exceptional Whiskey
This bourbon complements grilled pork tenderloin with apple chutney, maple-glazed salmon, or a charcuterie board with smoked cheeses and candied nuts.
Whether you’re teeing up your next round or unwinding after 18 holes, this Ryder Cup edition delivers bourbon elegance with a touch of sweet, wood-fired finesse, making it a true collector’s toast to the spirit of competition.
