
Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week Celebrates Craft and Community
When it comes to bourbon, few names carry the weight of tradition quite like Elijah Craig. And from October 10 through October 19, 2025, the brand once again raises the bar with the return of Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week—a spirited celebration that honors the most iconic bourbon cocktail in the world while giving back to the very people who keep it alive behind the bar.
Now in its sixth year, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week is more than just a nod to cocktail culture—it’s a national movement. This signature event invites bourbon lovers across the country to savor Elijah Craig Old Fashioneds at participating bars and restaurants, where every pour supports the hospitality professionals who make it all possible. As Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Elijah Craig Bourbon, explains, “When you order an Elijah Craig Old Fashioned, you’re not just raising a glass—you’re raising hope.”
Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week Gives Back with Every Pour
The Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week has a simple motto: great bourbon deserves great people. For every Elijah Craig Old Fashioned sold during the weeklong celebration, the brand donates $1 to service industry professionals in need—up to $100,000. In 2024, those dollars translated to real impact, funding 760 free mental health counseling sessions and $40,000 in emergency relief grants through the Southern Smoke Foundation’s Behind You program.
Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has raised nearly $500,000, making it one of the most meaningful campaigns in the spirits industry. And this year, Elijah Craig expands its global reach with programs benefiting Canada’s Bartenders Benevolent Fund and the U.K.’s Drinks Trust. That’s real bourbon, real community, and real change—all in a rocks glass.
For those eager to sip with purpose, the official Elijah Craig “Find a Bar” tool (at oldfashionedweek.com) lets you locate venues pouring the classic cocktail or inventive riffs—all made with Elijah Craig.

Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week Shakes Things Up with Bartender Contest
To keep things fresh while still honoring tradition, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week introduces a new twist: the “New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest.” Partnering with VinePair, Elijah Craig is challenging bartenders across the U.S. to craft their boldest take on the classic, competing for a $15,000 grand prize and a coveted spot in the third edition of the Old Fashioned Week Cocktail Companion.
Submissions are judged on balance, creativity, and presentation—meaning this isn’t just about good bourbon, it’s about pushing the boundaries of what an Old Fashioned can be. Entries are open until November 1, 2025, giving America’s finest mixologists a shot at both recognition and reward.
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