Old Elk 10 Year Old Wheated Bourbon Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B

It has been little over a year since Ohio’s Middle West Spirits bought Old Elk Distillery, based in Colorado, but now Old Elk has come out with its first major release since the acquisition. This new launch is a 10 year old collection, consisting of a straight bourbon (rye recipe); a wheated bourbon; and a wheat whiskey. The acquisition shuttered Old Elk’s facilities in Colorado, with production in particular transferred to the Middle West Distillery. Although the press release does not comment on origins, my guess is the bourbon used for the 10 year old wheated bourbon is probably from Old Elk’s Colorado stocks. The mash bill is 51% corn, 46% wheat and 3% malted barley, just 1% off from the recipe used in Old Elk’s standard wheated bourbon. By contrast, the wheated bourbon coming from Middle West Spirits is not only not a very high wheat bourbon, like that of Old Elk, but a four grain recipe to boot.

These days, a 10 to 12 year age statement occupies a similar place as the 12 to 15 year statement did a decade ago, with many 10 year olds (such as Rebel or Michter’s) holding fan favorite status. This particular example was bottled at 105 proof.

The Bourbon
The pour had a clear, bright amber look in the glass. The nose came at me as musty, but floral. The musty part reminded me of bailing hay, because that always took place on hot, dry summer days that left the hay smelling almost toasted. The floral part leaned towards orange creamcicle. Add a base of expected vanilla and brown sugar, and you’ve got the scent.

Sipping bursted with the same floral/fruity and musty elements, but rounded out with butterscotch and a sliver of oak. The finish opened with cinnamon and nutmeg, before turning a bit oaky and tannic.

The Price
Officially, this is priced at $70 a botttle.