Heaven Hill's flagship bourbon brand Elijah Craig has unveiled a commemorative small batch release tied to the 2026 PGA Championship, and this one comes with a twist that sets it apart from the standard shelf expression — a noticeably higher proof that's more than just a marketing number.
The new 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon clocks in at 108 proof, a significant jump from the brand's regular Small Batch, which sits at 94 proof. That same 94 proof figure was also where last year's PGA tie-in landed, making this year's bottling a clear step up in terms of strength and, based on early tastings, character.
Why 108 Proof?
The proof point wasn't chosen arbitrarily. According to the distillery, the 108 is a direct nod to the PGA Championship's 108th edition, which will be held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania from May 14 through May 17. It's the kind of detail that separates a thoughtfully crafted commemorative release from something that's just slapping a logo on a bottle.
The bourbon itself comes from what Heaven Hill describes as "a small batch of barrels" pulled from the brand's N and S rickhouses. The exact number of barrels hasn't been disclosed, so just how limited this release actually is remains an open question — but it won't be sitting on shelves for long given the nature of these drops.
Elijah Craig and Golf: A Partnership With Some History Behind It
This release doesn't come out of nowhere. Back in 2023, the PGA of America announced a multi-year partnership with Elijah Craig, naming it the official bourbon and whiskey supplier of the PGA of America, the PGA Championship, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and an official partner of the PGA National Club Championship. That deal locked in the relationship between one of bourbon country's most respected names and one of golf's most prestigious governing bodies.
Elijah Craig also extended its reach into the Ryder Cup last year, putting out a limited-edition release that was finished with applewood and sugar maple staves — a creative touch that added a layer of complexity to the bourbon beyond just a commemorative label.
As a brand, Elijah Craig covers a lot of ground within Heaven Hill's lineup. The portfolio runs from the approachable Small Batch and Straight Rye expressions up through the much-talked-about Barrel Proof releases — both bourbon and rye — and the Toasted Barrel variation. More recently, the brand drew serious attention with the launch of a 15 Year Old Single Barrel, widely regarded as one of the stronger additions to the lineup in recent years.
What's Actually in the Glass
For those who got their hands on an early sample, the 108 proof bottling delivers. It's not going to flatten anyone the way a full barrel proof release can, but there's a real warmth to it that the standard Small Batch at 94 proof simply doesn't carry in the same way. The heat builds gradually and sticks around, which is exactly what a lot of bourbon drinkers are looking for when they step up from the core expression.
On the nose and palate, the bourbon shows vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar upfront — familiar Elijah Craig territory. From there it moves into caramel apple, flamed orange peel, and dark chocolate, adding some depth and complexity that keeps the sip interesting from start to finish. It's not a complicated bourbon, but it's a well-put-together one that earns its higher proof rather than just wearing it as a badge.
For context, the regular Elijah Craig Small Batch is a widely available, reasonably priced bourbon that punches above its weight for everyday drinking. This commemorative edition takes that same foundation and gives it more muscle without losing the approachability that made the brand what it is.
How to Get It
The 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon is available now at retailers across the country, carrying a suggested retail price of $37. That's a modest premium over the standard Small Batch and well within the range of what most bourbon drinkers would consider reasonable for a higher-proof, limited release tied to a major sporting event. Sites like ReserveBar are already carrying the full Elijah Craig lineup for those who prefer to shop online.
With the PGA Championship just weeks away and commemorative bottles moving quickly, this one is worth picking up sooner rather than later — whether the goal is to crack it open during the tournament or hold onto it as part of a growing collection.
The Bigger Picture: Bourbon and Sports Are Getting Serious
It's worth stepping back and noting the broader trend at play here. Spirits brands have been leaning hard into major sporting events, and the category has expanded well beyond the old standard of a special-edition label. World Cup tie-ins from names like Clase Azul, Don Julio, and Buchanan's have dominated the conversation in recent weeks, but Elijah Craig's PGA partnership is a reminder that golf and bourbon have a natural alignment that predates the current wave of sports-spirits deals.
Golf has always attracted the kind of audience that appreciates a well-made American whiskey — fans who know their way around a pour and aren't just looking for something to mix into a bucket of soda. Matching that audience with a bourbon that actually has something different to offer, rather than recycling the same juice in a collector bottle, is the right move. At 108 proof with a price tag under $40, this release manages to be both meaningful and accessible — a combination that's harder to pull off than it looks.
