Culpeper Celebrates National Bourbon Heritage Month: Honoring Elijah Craig’s Legacy of Bourbon & Religious Freedom
August 19, 2025 Food & Drink Things to Do
Every September, America raises a glass to National Bourbon Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the nation’s native spirit and the rich history behind it. Here in Culpeper, Virginia, we do so with special pride, as one of bourbon’s most legendary figures, Elijah Craig, has deep roots in our community.
Elijah Craig: A Life Beyond Bourbon
Most widely remembered for his role as an early innovator in bourbon-making, Elijah Craig’s story reaches far beyond Kentucky’s rolling hills. Born in 1738 in Orange County, Virginia to Tolever Craig and Mary Hawkins Craig, Elijah grew up during a time when religious conformity was tightly enforced by the established Anglican Church.
In the early 1760s, Elijah began spreading the gospel and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1771. His message of spiritual independence, however, came at a cost. Preaching against the established church, Craig was arrested and imprisoned twice, once in Culpeper County and once in neighboring Orange County. These struggles positioned him not just as a preacher but as a champion for religious freedom in early America, a fight that paralleled the broader Revolution for independence.
The Journey to Kentucky
Craig’s brothers, Joseph and Lewis, led the famed “Traveling Church” migration from Spotsylvania County to Kentucky in 1781, a bold move that carried hundreds of Baptists seeking liberty and new opportunities. Elijah followed in 1786, beginning the next chapter of his remarkable life.
In Kentucky, Craig became a pioneering entrepreneur. Acquiring 1,000 acres of land, he helped lay the foundations for what became Georgetown, Kentucky, in 1790. His innovations included establishing one of the region’s first paper mills, as well as early sawmills, gristmills, and even a ferry across the Kentucky River.
Bourbon and Beyond
Of course, Elijah Craig’s name endures most prominently for his contributions to America’s native spirit. Bourbon, recognized today as distinctly American, is made up of at least 51 percent corn. The remainder of the mash bill can include other grains such as rye, wheat, or malted barley. Elijah Craig bourbon typically contains 78 percent corn, with the remaining grains consisting of 10 percent rye and 12 percent malted barley. Aging in new charred oak barrels gives bourbon its signature amber color and rich, complex flavors ranging from vanilla and caramel to toasted oak and spice.
Though legends differ, Elijah Craig is often credited with the innovation of aging his spirit in charred oak barrels, a practice that helped shape bourbon’s characteristic flavor profile. Whether or not he was the first to do so, Craig’s dedication to craftsmanship and experimentation set a standard for generations of distillers to follow. His entrepreneurial mindset helped bourbon evolve from a local Kentucky product into a nationally celebrated icon of American culture.
Craig’s legacy was revived when Heaven Hill Distillery acquired rights to the Elijah Craig name in 1976, later releasing their first Elijah Craig bourbon in 1986. Today, the brand continues to honor his pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence, producing expressions ranging from small-batch bourbons to limited releases that highlight the nuanced flavors his early methods inspired.
Bourbon is more than a drink. It is a reflection of American history, innovation, and resilience, much like Elijah Craig himself. Each sip tells a story of craftsmanship, patience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, making it a perfect complement to the heritage and freedom Craig championed throughout his life.
Culpeper’s Role in the Story
For Culpeper, Elijah Craig is more than just a bourbon figure, he represents the intertwined histories of faith, freedom, and innovation. His imprisonment here in the 1770s reminds us of the struggles endured to secure the religious liberties we now hold dear. His later success in Kentucky illustrates the resilience and entrepreneurial drive born from those trials.
Bourbon, like Craig himself, is a product of patience and craftsmanship. The careful aging in charred oak barrels allows its flavors to develop slowly, creating a drink that is both bold and nuanced, much like the man whose name it bears. From the caramel sweetness and vanilla notes to subtle hints of spice and smoke, each sip is a reflection of the dedication and ingenuity that Craig brought to his work, bridging his Virginia roots with Kentucky innovation.
Celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month in Culpeper
This September, Culpeper is going all in on bourbon heritage with a celebration fit for Elijah Craig himself. To honor his legacy, five of our local restaurants will be featuring seven Elijah Craig specialty cocktails and recipes throughout the month. Each cocktail is crafted to highlight the complexity and warmth of bourbon, inviting guests to explore the flavors that have made it America’s native spirit.
Sip the Legacy
Each of these signature cocktails offers more than just flavor. They’re a taste of history. Crafted with Elijah Craig bourbon, they reflect the spirit of innovation, resilience, and craftsmanship that defined Craig’s life. From bright, tangy notes that awaken the palate to rich, layered flavors that linger, every sip is a celebration of bourbon’s depth and complexity, connecting Culpeper’s heritage with the enduring legacy of America’s native spirit.
Where to Sip Your Way Through History
- Zandra’s – Craig & Cran
- A refreshing blend of Elijah Craig bourbon, lemonade, cranberry juice, and a fresh lemon slice. Bright and tangy, the cranberry adds a subtle tartness that complements the warm vanilla and caramel notes of the bourbon. Perfect for late summer evenings.
- Grill 309 – Offering three Ways to Toast Elijah Craig
- The Kentucky Mule
- Bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer. Crisp and zesty, with the ginger’s spice dancing against the bourbon’s smooth richness.
- The Gold Rush
- Bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice. Sweet and citrusy, this cocktail highlights the bourbon’s natural caramel undertones with a hint of sunny brightness.
- The Kentucky Buck
- Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, ginger beer, and fresh strawberries. Complex and bold, the juicy strawberries enhance the bourbon’s depth while the bitters provide a subtle layer of sophistication.
- The Kentucky Mule
- Raven’s Nest – Maple Old Fashioned
- Crafted with Elijah Craig bourbon, Raven’s Nest bold dark roast coffee, maple syrup, and a splash of amaretto. Rich, nutty-sweet, and layered, this drink balances the bourbon’s warmth with earthy coffee tones and the cozy sweetness of maple.
- Sweet Roux – Thyme to Shyne
- Bourbon, Yellow Chartreuse, honey-thyme syrup, lemon juice, and a torched thyme sprig garnish. Herbal and aromatic, this inventive cocktail lets the bourbon shine while the thyme adds a fragrant, savory note that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
- Happy Family Ranch Contemporary Kitchen & Bar – El Campesino (The Farmer)
- Elijah Craig bourbon, lime juice, agave syrup, roasted pineapple purée, mole bitters, and chili powder or Tajín, shaken and served over a large ice cube with a charred pineapple wedge and rosemary sprig. Bold and adventurous, the tropical pineapple and smoky mole bitters enhance the bourbon’s depth, while the gentle spice adds an exciting finish. A true nod to Culpeper’s rural roots with a global twist.
- Piedmont Steakhouse – Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Old Fashioned
- A bold twist on a timeless classic, this cocktail showcases 2 oz of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon, delivering deep caramel, charred oak, and warm spice. A dash of orange and aromatic bitters adds bright citrus and layered complexity, while lush cherries bring a subtle sweetness that rounds out the intensity of the bourbon. Finished with a fragrant orange twist garnish, each sip is a perfect balance of rich warmth and refreshing zest – smooth, powerful, and irresistibly satisfying.
- Ferlazzo 1938 – Eli’s Coming
- A bold yet refreshing fusion of Elijah Craig bourbon, black raspberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and basil simple syrup, finished with sparkling ginger beer. Garnished with basil and dehydrated lemon, it’s rich, zesty, and herbaceous with a lively kick of spice.
*Please check back often as additional drinks may be added during the month.
Raising a Glass to Heritage
By remembering Elijah Craig, we celebrate not only the origins of bourbon but also the courageous spirit of a man whose influence spanned both religious freedom and American innovation.
This National Bourbon Heritage Month, Culpeper invites you to join the celebration: sip a specialty cocktail, explore our historic roots, and toast to Elijah Craig’s enduring legacy. Come discover how Culpeper blends history, hospitality, and heritage, one glass at a time.
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