Old Elk Small Batch Sour Mash Reserve (Batch 2)

Somewhat disappointed. I usually enjoy the distillery's products and was pleased to see what I thought was a special release from them. However, I'm struggling to identify the specific character the master distiller aimed to showcase in this bottle. Generally, I'm detecting typical oak and vanilla notes, along with some stone fruits. The chosen proof seems irrelevant. Aged for 6 years, it doesn't justify the $90 price tag. While there are no obvious flaws, I can think of a dozen other bottles that offer this flavor profile for half the cost.

A pleasant aroma of pear and honeysuckle greets you, smelling fantastic. The palate offers spicy, buttery cinnamon, leading into a similarly spicy finish. The alcohol content is just right.

Aromatic spice, sweet maple on the nose. Palate has caramel corn, baking spice, a little oak and leather.

Very enjoyable. I sampled Batch 1. No current check-in available for it.

Full-bodied flavor.

Silky texture.