Old Elk Infinity Blend (2021 Release)

Nose: Shaving cream, cut stone, baking spice, earth, cinnamon, cooked caramel, and vanilla. Palate: Hot cinnamon, oak, mineral notes, cooked stone fruit, watered-down caramel, bitter tannins, earthy. Finish: Hot cinnamon, oak, cherry cough syrup, oak. My opinion on this one fluctuates. At times, I find it delightful and rich; other times, like tonight, unfortunately, I perceive it as hot, young, harsh, and ultimately mediocre. I can't pinpoint the reason for these differing perceptions. I believe it's simply not an exceptional whiskey, but occasionally, depending on mood, weather, atmosphere, food pairing, etc., it somehow performs better than expected. And I suspect that provides good reason to anticipate future annual releases. This has its good moments, and as an infinity blend managed by a professional distiller/blender, I would hope and expect it to improve. ____________ Come join an unofficial community on Discord (now one year old!): [discord link]. We discuss spirits (and other things) in real time, serving as a great resource for each other for recommendations, finding deals, and generally enjoying the journey together. (If the link is expired, please comment and I will gladly provide a new one.)

The aroma is promising, with notes of caramel apple, pleasant spice, and oak. It smells sweet, suggesting some age. The palate isn't as appealing as the nose, but it's still good. It's a bit sharp, but the apple and oak notes come through. It finishes quite sweet and lasts longer than some reviews indicate. I consider this a contemplative spirit. It possesses some depth, making you want to pick up the glass again. I must admit, I was highly anticipating this bottle and searched for it for some time. Whether it was due to my elevated expectations or another reason, it didn't quite meet the personal hype I had built. I still enjoy it significantly, just not as expected. I understand the pricing for a limited release, but it feels more like an $80 bottle.

Nose: Major players are red hots and toasted marshmallow, which I really enjoy. Also corn, dark candied fruits, caramel, and orange citrus. Quite nice. Taste: Prominent oak, cinnamon, and dark fruits again, with a creamy vanilla finish. More corn. Overall: The aroma is fantastic, but the taste is only slightly above average. Given the cost, I cannot recommend this. It drinks more like a bottle in the $70-80 range.

Nose: Earthiness and some mineral notes reminiscent of a certain Tennessee distillery. Strong ethanol and a light hint of vanilla. Palate: The prominent malt flavors appear immediately, with a rich honeysuckle taste and a smooth texture, unlike typical Kentucky bourbon. Finish: Tastes like buttered popcorn, similar to the corn notes found in light whiskies. The rye spice is quite mild for the 115 proof.

Attended a cocktail party and tried this. I heard it was pricey, but I'm not impressed. The aroma is faint, and I detect high rye scents that didn't quite hit the mark. There's fresh cut grass and a vegetal note, but the nose is reserved and the body is thin. Bitterness leads on the taste and continues into the aftertaste. I don't care for this one.

Outstanding and pleasing. The blend is perfectly balanced, no criticisms. It is expensive, but I would purchase it again. Hints of cinnamon, coffee, and molasses are present. The finish is agreeable with no harshness.