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Celebrating Old Fashioned Week with Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig Bourbon, renowned for its excellence, proudly announces the return of its Old Fashioned Week, which will be running from October 10 to October 19, 2025. This year marks the sixth edition of this beloved event, crafted to honor the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, and to support the dedicated hospitality professionals who contribute to the bourbon experience.

A Tribute to the Old Fashioned Cocktail

The Old Fashioned cocktail, a timeless classic, finds its roots deeply entwined with the legacy of Elijah Craig. Recognized widely as the 'Father of Bourbon,' Elijah Craig has a unique history of transforming clear, unaged whiskey into the rich, flavorful Bourbon we enjoy today through the use of charred oak barrels.

Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Elijah Craig Bourbon, explains, “Old Fashioned Week is an Elijah Craig original, designed to celebrate the iconic cocktail while giving back to the community that nurtures bourbon culture.” With every Elijah Craig Old Fashioned ordered, not only do patrons indulge in this classic drink, but they also contribute to a noble cause by helping bartenders, chefs, and service staff across the nation.

Cocktails for a Cause

Every sip of an Elijah Craig Old Fashioned during this week aids a deeper purpose. For each cocktail sold, the brand donates $1—up to a total of $100,000—to support bar and restaurant workers in need. Last year, the Southern Smoke Foundation benefited significantly from these donations, providing no-cost mental health counseling sessions and emergency relief grants.

Since the inception of Old Fashioned Week in 2020, nearly half a million dollars has been raised for charitable organizations that provide crucial support to food and beverage industry workers. This year, the reach of Old Fashioned Week expands beyond United States borders into Canada and the U.K., where funds will aid the Bartenders Benevolent Fund and The Drinks Trust, respectively.

How to Join the Celebration
Bourbon enthusiasts can engage in the festivities by locating participating bars through a user-friendly online tool at www.oldfashionedweek.com. This platform lists venues dedicated to serving Elijah Craig Old Fashioneds as well as unique twists on this classic favorite.

Showcasing Bartending Talent

Elijah Craig has also established the 'New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest,' inviting bartenders nationwide to showcase their skills. Contestants compete for a grand prize of $15,000 and a feature in the upcoming 'Old Fashioned Week Cocktail Companion Volume 3.' The submissions are judged based on balance, creativity, and presentation, with entries accepted until November 1, 2025.

About Elijah Craig Bourbon

The legacy of Elijah Craig Bourbon is not just about the spirit; it’s about the empowerment of the community surrounding it. The brand has a rich history of offering high-quality bourbons, such as the Elijah Craig Small Batch and the highly sought-after Barrel Proof selections. Its accolades include numerous awards from prestigious entities like Whisky Advocate and Whisky Magazine, underlining its esteemed position in the whiskey industry.

In summary, Old Fashioned Week embodies both a celebration of a classic cocktail and a commitment to supporting those behind the bar. Join us between October 10 and 19, 2025, raise your glass to the spirit of bourbon, and contribute to an ongoing legacy of generosity and camaraderie in the bourbon community. Cheers to caring for the craft and the people who create it!