Nose: Unexpected floral rye, not the rum notes I anticipated. Some brown sugar and vanilla are present, but no more than in typical whiskeys. Black licorice emerges, followed by orange citrus and toasted marshmallow as it rests, which is pleasant. However, the overall aroma is quite faint, lacking boldness. It seems like a low-proof spirit. Palate: The taste is even lighter than the aroma. Rum flavors of brown sugar and vanilla blend with orange citrus. Hardly any rye character for a 95/5 mash bill. No oak detected. The mouthfeel is very thin. Conclusion: Underwhelming. It's forgettable, suitable only as a display piece or for introducing a rum enthusiast to whiskey. A letdown for me, as I barely detected any distinct rum characteristics. At its $80 price point, it's overpriced by $20-$30. It lacks the distinctiveness to warrant the cost.
Old Elk Rum Cask Finished Rye
Whiskey Rye USA No age statement 50.5% ABV
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About this bottle
Old Elk Rum Cask Finished Rye consists of rye whiskey (95% rye, 5% malted barley) that has been aged for a minimum of five years. It then spends an additional two to five months maturing in 14-year-old Barbados rum casks. This bottling marks Old Elk's debut rye in its Cask Finish Series, which was introduced in 2021. It is bottled at 101 proof and was available nationwide at select retailers for a limited period, beginning January 19, 2023. (SRP $99.99)
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 6 parsed reviews.
The aroma is packed with rum characteristics. The palate begins gently, with sweetness and a full body. Despite its high proof, it drinks as smoothly as a lower proof spirit. The whiskey's flavor is mellow, featuring distinct hints of vanilla, oak, and caramel. Its brief time aging in former rum barrels profoundly alters the high rye composition. For those who enjoy adventurous whiskeys leaning towards the sweeter profile, this will be satisfying. Quite enjoyable.
MBS RUM RUNNER**** Smell - Vibrant with a sweet rum aroma. A touch of tropical fruit. It's so bright it smells like hand sanitizer, but in a good way. Taste - The aroma is present in the taste, and it's absolutely fantastic. Nothing but praise, it's incredible. Finish - The finish is consistently fantastic and the same as the rest.
A bit intense with abundant brown sugar, some vanilla custard, caramel, rye spice, and baking spices detected on the nose and palate. The finish is long, sweet, savory, and spicy.
Equally excellent to Angel’s Envy’s rum casked rye. Slightly spicier and distinct, but both are outstanding. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is excellent.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
