Hannah’s Old Elk Bourbon Review
Original review written May 25, 2021
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
For a wheated bourbon, this is full of freshness and bright fruits. I’m actually quite pleased with this and would be tempted to repurchase. 89/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Fort Collins, Colorado
– Distiller: Old Elk Distillery
– Classification: Colorado Wheated Bourbon
– Age: 5 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=51%; Wheat=45%; Malted Barley=4%
– Casks: unpublished char
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: $64.95 USD in Idaho
Find more information at oldelk.com
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with my sister, and my father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
Fresh while still somehow being cool toned in personality, I imagine enjoying Old Elk Bourbon in a secluded spot in a desert canyon. Waterfalls and clear blue water refresh the soul as you’re warmed by breathtaking red rock, and surrounded in your own unique cocoon of greenery.
Photo by Daniel Hernandez on Unsplash
NOSE:
Though this is a wheated bourbon, I can detect a surprising note of rye as well as white pepper. There are fresh herbs, like lavender, tucked in with these spices, and they blend quite well with each other. I find a sugary simple syrup that hasn’t quite reached caramel status. It almost is like what you’d find in an expensive cream soda. There is also light vanilla, light apple, and freshly-cut oak. The alcohol is a small nip that could easily be confused with the aforementioned rye. It’s unique, pleasant, inviting, and I’m looking forward to tasting.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: Gentle with the slightest hint of raspiness.
– Balance: I actually really love it. It’s bright, yet solid and fresh.
– Visual: Honey in color, there are thick, fast-dropping legs, with an equally thick crown.
– Taste: The softness and subtle sweetness of the wheat from the mash bill is immediately apparent. The sweetness isn’t limited to the wheat though, as there is light vanilla, and light caramel. There are also crisp apple to pair with it all, and I find it quite good! There isn’t much spice, save for maybe a PINCH of cinnamon. Overall it’s fresh with the sugary fruit, and even a bit of floral essence. The oak is gentle and unifies the flavors well.
There is next to no alcohol burn, only a playful tickle that doesn’t mind lingering on the tongue. The Kentucky chew still isn’t very aggressive, but it makes the wood and wheat pop a little more.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Medium. A little bit of warmth sticks around for a while, but not much flavor.
– Between Sips: Wheat and a little bit of simple syrup linger between sips. I’m happy with it!
– No More: This stays consistent as I get further into the glass. Perhaps the apple gets a little more bold, and the alcohol a touch more apparent, but it’s still very good!
The empty Glencairn is a sweet oak that is a little warm, but mostly, it is just soft and pleasant.
WORTH THE PRICE?
For $65 and a wheated bourbon, I think this is probably one of the better offerings you can find. It may not be the most complex bourbon you’ve ever tasted, but it’s light and easily enjoyed. I could definitely be tempted to buy again, but I don’t feel like I’d feel like it’s a “must-have” in the bunker.
OLD ELK BOURBON REVIEW RATING: 89/100
Click to see Hannah’s rating process
Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this rating.
Back to…
