The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Douglas Fraser
Rating: B+
Old Elk Wheated Bourbon
(Credit: Old Elk Distillery)
Old Elk Distillery is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, just sixty miles from Denver. This expression is sourced from MGP’s very high wheat, wheated bourbon whiskey, with a mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat and 4% malted barley. As with many brands, sourcing from MGP is a staple of Old Elk during their start-up phase, but it is especially appropriate in their case since they hired former MGP Master Distiller Greg Metze as a consultant. Aged for a minimum of five years, it is bottled at 92 proof.
The Bourbon
On the nose are gentle hints of cinnamon, almonds, wheat, and corn. The palate is rather the same, but extremely mellow. I suspect that is because of the wheat instead of rye. There are also notes of charred oak and a slight red fruit note. The finish is medium in length with notes of oak, baking spices, oak, and leather.
The Price
Old Elk Wheated Bourbon can be found for $75.
I just bought a bottle. Its fine. Nothing special. Weak, forgettable. But it has potential. Interested in tasting cask strength version. On your scale, I would give it a c+ to B-. Slightly above average. But I guess average is relative to what you drink.