The Father of Bourbon Transcends Time In Its New Father’s Day Campaign

Known as “the Father of Bourbon” for being the first to age whiskey in charred-oak barrels to make Bourbon, Elijah Craig has released a new Father’s Day ad created with agency of record, Method1.

Emotional storytelling differentiates this spot from previous Elijah Craig campaigns as it depicts the role of a father figure to a wide audience. The script takes us through the highs and lows of father-child relationships, transcending the decades through sentimental artifacts scattered throughout an aging father’s home, reminders of all that this father has been to his son: a hero, a coach, and of course, “embarrassing.” It ends with the father and son sitting down to bond over a drink of their beloved brand, Elijah Craig. The spot has been released across CTV, OTT, OLV, and YouTube. It features Toasted Barrel Bourbon, an elevated expression finished in custom toasted barrels for sweet oak complexity.

“We wanted a spot that resonated with people on an emotional level,” said Kelsey Strand, Elijah Craig Brand Manager. “Elijah Craig is the Father of Bourbon, so there’s no better drink to share with a father figure this Father’s Day.”

The Father’s Day campaign also features a customizable label that can be applied to purchased bottles of Bourbon. Consumers can visit the Elijah Craig site, also designed by Method1, to create a free label with a personalized message for the holiday, which is then printed and mailed.

“Father’s Day is a perfect event to reinforce Elijah Craig’s brand positioning. The customizable label adds a personal touch to the act of giving a gift to a person who is so important in the giver’s life,” said Paul Nelson from Method1.

About Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig Bourbon: Known as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of up to $400,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”