Elijah Craig Launches Tavern Trail to Celebrate Old Fashioned Week's Return and Support Hospitality Workers
Elijah Craig, the esteemed brand recognized for its premium American whiskeys, has made waves with the announcement of this year's Old Fashioned Week, marking its seventh iteration from October 9 to October 18. This annual event pays homage to the classic Old Fashioned cocktail and the dedicated professionals in the hospitality industry who craft this beloved drink.
For 2026, the spotlight is on the newly unveiled Old Fashioned Tavern Trail—a curated journey comprising 70 dynamic destinations across the U.S. This trail invites bourbon enthusiasts to explore historic taverns as well as modern venues, all while acknowledging the profound connection among people over drinks and conversations. From iconic colonial-era establishments to trendy contemporary bars, the Tavern Trail embodies a spirit of community and camaraderie.
Founded in 2020 as a way to extend support to hospitality workers, Old Fashioned Week hosts an array of events, engaging bourbon lovers nationwide with creative variations of the classic cocktail. A portion of the proceeds—specifically one dollar from each Old Fashioned sold at participating bars—will aid the Southern Smoke Foundation. This organization not only provides emergency relief to hospitality professionals but also offers complimentary mental health services, thereby addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by those in the industry. Over the years, Elijah Craig has committed more than $600,000 to support Southern Smoke and various other relief efforts across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
This year's festival also coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, making the Tavern Trail an ideal means for individuals to come together, reminisce, and engage in authentic conversations over cocktails. The trail features an extensive network of venues—over 12,000 participate annually in Old Fashioned Week—where visitors can conveniently find directions through the official "Find a Bar" tool available at www.oldfashionedweek.com.
Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Elijah Craig Bourbon, stated, "Our Old Fashioned Week serves as a tribute to the iconic cocktail that has united generations, as well as to the vibrant hospitality community that facilitates these unforgettable experiences. As consumers increasingly seek out genuine moments of connection, our Tavern Trail will highlight the need for a revival of the local tavern culture that fosters community bonds."
Elijah Craig, hailed as the "Father of Bourbon," is celebrated for pioneering the process of charring whiskey barrels, a technique that cultivates the distinct flavor profile and deep amber color associated with Bourbon as we know it today. The quintessential Elijah Craig Small Batch stands out as an exemplary choice for crafting a superb Old Fashioned, renowned for its smooth texture, warmth, and a complex blend of spicy notes that culminate in a rich and slightly toasty finish.
For more information and to see what Elijah Craig has in store for this Old Fashioned Week, follow @ElijahCraig on Instagram or visit www.elijahcraig.com.
Elijah Craig boasts an impressive collection of award-winning Bourbons and Ryes. Its recent Barrel Proof Rye release garnered the esteemed title of Whisky Advocate's "Whisky of the Year" for 2025. The legacy of Reverend Elijah Craig dates back to 1789, when he founded his distillery along the banks of Elkhorn Creek in Georgetown, Kentucky, earning him the moniker as the "Father of Bourbon". By being the first to age whiskey in charred oak barrels, he transformed the clear, unaged corn liquor into a rich and smooth whiskey that defines Bourbon today. The brand, which is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, encompasses a range of offerings, including Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, and the newly released Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, all synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and rich flavor profiles. Their accolades include accolades at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, among others, affirming Elijah Craig as a top contender in the spirits industry.
For 2026, the spotlight is on the newly unveiled Old Fashioned Tavern Trail—a curated journey comprising 70 dynamic destinations across the U.S. This trail invites bourbon enthusiasts to explore historic taverns as well as modern venues, all while acknowledging the profound connection among people over drinks and conversations. From iconic colonial-era establishments to trendy contemporary bars, the Tavern Trail embodies a spirit of community and camaraderie.
Founded in 2020 as a way to extend support to hospitality workers, Old Fashioned Week hosts an array of events, engaging bourbon lovers nationwide with creative variations of the classic cocktail. A portion of the proceeds—specifically one dollar from each Old Fashioned sold at participating bars—will aid the Southern Smoke Foundation. This organization not only provides emergency relief to hospitality professionals but also offers complimentary mental health services, thereby addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by those in the industry. Over the years, Elijah Craig has committed more than $600,000 to support Southern Smoke and various other relief efforts across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
This year's festival also coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, making the Tavern Trail an ideal means for individuals to come together, reminisce, and engage in authentic conversations over cocktails. The trail features an extensive network of venues—over 12,000 participate annually in Old Fashioned Week—where visitors can conveniently find directions through the official "Find a Bar" tool available at www.oldfashionedweek.com.
Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Elijah Craig Bourbon, stated, "Our Old Fashioned Week serves as a tribute to the iconic cocktail that has united generations, as well as to the vibrant hospitality community that facilitates these unforgettable experiences. As consumers increasingly seek out genuine moments of connection, our Tavern Trail will highlight the need for a revival of the local tavern culture that fosters community bonds."
Elijah Craig, hailed as the "Father of Bourbon," is celebrated for pioneering the process of charring whiskey barrels, a technique that cultivates the distinct flavor profile and deep amber color associated with Bourbon as we know it today. The quintessential Elijah Craig Small Batch stands out as an exemplary choice for crafting a superb Old Fashioned, renowned for its smooth texture, warmth, and a complex blend of spicy notes that culminate in a rich and slightly toasty finish.
For more information and to see what Elijah Craig has in store for this Old Fashioned Week, follow @ElijahCraig on Instagram or visit www.elijahcraig.com.
About Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig boasts an impressive collection of award-winning Bourbons and Ryes. Its recent Barrel Proof Rye release garnered the esteemed title of Whisky Advocate's "Whisky of the Year" for 2025. The legacy of Reverend Elijah Craig dates back to 1789, when he founded his distillery along the banks of Elkhorn Creek in Georgetown, Kentucky, earning him the moniker as the "Father of Bourbon". By being the first to age whiskey in charred oak barrels, he transformed the clear, unaged corn liquor into a rich and smooth whiskey that defines Bourbon today. The brand, which is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, encompasses a range of offerings, including Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, and the newly released Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, all synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and rich flavor profiles. Their accolades include accolades at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, among others, affirming Elijah Craig as a top contender in the spirits industry.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.