Old Elk Single Barrel Straight Bourbon (Big Red Liquor)

OBS single barrel selection 116.5 proof Nose: vanilla, honey, wheat bread, light brown sugar, very little ethanol for cask strength, some pear and tobacco on the back end of the pour Palate: thin, honey, caramel, a fair bit of cinnamon and spice, a bit of apple Finish: pretty long and hot, the proof that is hidden on the nose and palate comes through here, lots of spice This smells and tastes like an 80 proof wheated whiskey, but finishes like a 120 proof rye. Both are nice, but the transition is more jarring than ideal.

Color and consistency resemble slightly reddish-amber olive oil. Aroma: Cherry and apricot, honey and malt with hints of hazelnut, like Honeynut Cheerios. Taste: Light and sweet initially, transitioning to a surprisingly earthy and oaky mid-palate. Finish: Long and rye-forward, alternating between sweet grains and spice. I purchased this almost on a whim and am pleased with the decision. I advise against adding water, as it makes the malt too dominant. Best enjoyed neat!

A tasting pour from a friend. The nose is heavily dominated by oak and vanilla. The high proof is also noticeable. The taste is sweet, musty, and more oak, possibly echoing another whiskey's oakiness. It has a solid mouthfeel with a pleasant burn that persists. A slight bitterness is present at the end.