Old Elk Straight Wheated Bourbon

This Afternoon’s Pour: Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey! Greetings, grain enthusiasts and wheated whiskey devotees, because today’s sample is smoother than a Sunday jazz tune and more potent than your relative’s Thanksgiving political rants. Originating from Fort Collins, Colorado, Old Elk Distillery started operations in 2013, founded by Kurt Richardson—yes, the Kurt Richardson from OtterBox fame—because after safeguarding phones, why not secure your peace of mind with some whiskey? Meet Greg Metze, the master of wheated spirits himself, formerly of MGP (the premier institution for sourced whiskey), who relocated from the Indiana plains to the Rocky Mountains in 2016. With over four decades of crafting spirits, he has just earned the title: 2024 Master Distiller of the Year. Show some respect, everyone. Specifications: • 100 proof of high-altitude delight (equivalent to 50% ABV) • 5 years matured in the Colorado climate (akin to whiskey yoga) • $69.99 on May 1, 2025 (a bit of a splurge for a Tuesday) • Flavor profile? It sits somewhere between the welcoming embrace of Weller SR and the intimate hug of 1792 Sweet Wheat. Not quite at the “say-I-do” level of Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof, but certainly fitting for brunch. Would I sample the 10-Year Straight Wheat? Is a wheat whiskey mellow? Absolutely, I’m pursuing that bottle with the intensity of a squirrel on a scooter. So, as always: LIKE if your liver is still functioning, COMMENT if you’ve ever misspelled “rickhouse”, SHARE with that acquaintance who still believes Jack Daniels is bourbon, and SUBSCRIBE for more whiskey ramblings that are smoother than a Father’s Day dad joke. - A bourbon enthusiast - - BBBB - Full Video Review - [Link removed] YouTube Channel - [Link removed] #OldElkInTheWild #WhiskeyWithBjorn #OldElkWhisperer #WheatedAndWild #WhiskeyWisdomAndWhimsy

I'm finishing this bottle. It took me a while. I bought it 9 months ago, and the first pours had a sweeter flavor, but halfway through the bottle, the sweet flavors started to fade a bit. It's not a bad bourbon, but I'm not sure I'll buy another. It has a toasty butter toffee taste that lingers on the tongue and palate. There's a decent spice flavor that lets you know it has some kick. The finish goes away quickly and doesn't last long, but it's respectable considering the average ABV of 46%. A strange thing about this bottle is the cork shrinks, so it becomes loose, which likely lets air into the bottle. So, as the bottle gets towards the end, it's no surprise why it starts to fall flat after 9 months. Put a tighter cork on it! The great thing about this bottle is I bought it on clearance for about $44; it normally costs around $70.

The nose presents floral notes, toffee, caramel, and vanilla. It enters the palate very smoothly, with a creamy and sweet profile. The wheat is noticeable but not overpowering, nicely balanced by the sweetness. It's quite distinctive, and I appreciate the flavors derived from this mash bill. It has a pleasant thick mouthfeel and a medium finish. Overall, a very satisfying experience.

The aroma suggests shoe polish and hints of leather. The initial taste carries fresh weather notes with earthy undertones, resembling mushroom teriyaki. As it develops, sweetness emerges with a red delicious apple character, more earthy than sharp and sweet. Apple notes continue to be present throughout the tasting experience.

I found this to be a very enjoyable and easy-drinking spirit with some pleasant flavor variety. Served neat, it was smooth with a touch of citrusy/fruity tang, followed by nutmeg/spice (though not hot). With ice, it became significantly sweeter, offering a banana/custard finish. A very good initial impression.

Nose: sugary, minty, lacking something(?), pasteboard, doughy, rich Palate: not very intricate, watery, menthol-like, drinks more like a rye to me Finish: brief Overall: I like many of their offerings, but this one is not my top choice. Not sweet as one might anticipate from a wheater. I believe it has more of a Wild Turkey character.