Old Elk Announces its First Straight Wheat Whiskey Finished in French Limousine Cognac Casks

Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey begins after six years of aging the Straight Wheat Whiskey, with an additional 6 months to a year of finishing in carefully selected French Limousine Cognac Casks.

Old Elk Announces its First Straight Wheat Whiskey Finished in French Limousine Cognac Casks

Old Elk Distillery is proud to announce a new release within its Cask Finish Series, launching its first Straight Wheat Whiskey finished in French Limousine Cognac Casks. The Cask Finish Series is based on Old Elk's core products, including its award-winning High-Malt Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey and now Straight Wheat Whiskey, offering creative and innovative flavor profiles for whiskey enthusiasts nationwide.

Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey (47.5% ABV/95 Proof) begins after six years of aging the Straight Wheat Whiskey, with an additional 6 months to a year of finishing in carefully selected French Limousine Cognac Casks. On its own, Wheat Whiskey is unique and delicate, yet approachable, celebrated for its sweet notes of fruit and hints of spice. The secondary finish in world-class Cognac casks brings forward rich layers of flavor, including dark fruit and honeycomb. 

Old Elk’s Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey is distributed by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and will be now available at retailers nationwide in the United States with a suggested retail price of $89.99 per 750ml bottle. Later this year, Old Elk plans to launch another new offering within the Cask Finish Series, using Ruby Port Casks and their Straight Rye Whiskey. 

TASTING NOTES

  • Aroma – rich nose of apricot, sandalwood, caramel and candied orange
  • Palate – honeycomb, orange blossom, caramel, spice and a long finish Dark fruit, vanilla, honeycomb and spice

Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey Review

You’ll find Cigar Cut Island so easy to sip that its 111 proof will have you in its grasp before you know it, so watch your portions!

Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey Review

BOTTLE DETAILS


  • DISTILLER: Blended and bottled by Old Elk Distillery.
  • MASH BILL: A three-whiskey blend consisting of:
    • Old Elk High Malt Straight Bourbon finished in sherry casks (2 years) and port casks (6-10 months)
    • Old Elk Straight Rye finished in rum casks (8 months)
    • Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey finished in Sauternes casks (6 months)
  • AGE: Primary age minimum of 6 years / Secondary age up to 2 years
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 111.7 (55.85% ABV)
  • MSRP: $129.99

STEVE'S NOTES


SHARE WITH: Any whiskey fan, especially those who want to taste an expertly blended dram.

WORTH THE PRICE: Mmm, it's a little pricey, but it's arguably flawless and deftly blended.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: If you're up for a little splurge, I can't imagine someone ever regretting it. I've seen some reviews say, "I love it, but not for the price," and I understand, but you bought it, so, too late. Just love it!

OVERALL: I'm rarely fond of press releases that drone on about brand tradition and inspiration, but I love ones that talk about rising stars whose talent you can taste. We're told high up in the release that this "second annual release of Old Elk Cigar Cut, (was) crafted entirely by Old Elk’s production manager, Melinda Maddox." OK! Let's read why this is pointed out. "Cigar Cut Island Blend was inspired by ..." ugh, there's the gratuitous inspiration story! Let's dive down and see where Maddox reappears. Oh, here we go:

"As production manager, Melinda Maddox manages Old Elk’s blending, bottling, and Single Barrel program. The Cigar Cut program showcases Melinda’s increasing role with liquid development. She has orchestrated every step of Cigar Cut’s journey, and this launch marks her debut into creating her own whiskey.

"Melinda is on the path to becoming Old Elk’s master blender. She has been an apprentice to Master Distiller Greg Metze for the past three years, learning his practice and innovating his formula and quality liquid."

Now we're talking! Keep your eyes out for liquids she's blending. She sure has a fine mentor in Metze. Now, let's discuss what's in the bottle.

I've written before about multi-cask blends that try too hard to achieve ... I don't know ... someone's "inspiration"? (Oh, sorry, I need to play by my own rules!) In other words, what would be a good spirit on its own gets bogged down in the right, left and U-turns of flavor guidance from too many casks. The really clunky ones taste like someone said, "Use 'em barrels if you got 'em," which can create a spirit bereft of direction, nuance and, worse, a tasting panel. But not in this case.

This one juggles three whiskeys finished in four distinctly unique barrels to become a supple and elegant whole. This is something I could sit with all night.

You'll find Cigar Cut Island so easy to sip that its 111 proof will have you in its grasp before you know it, so watch your portions! Both nose and palate are coddled in an array of aromas–baking spices, lavender, jasmine–and flavors–raisins, dates, Marcona almonds, toasted oak, grilled corn, toffee, honey–that, despite all those whiskey and wood influences, the blend is never over-assertive or confusing. I found myself wanting back off and study it from a few perspectives just to discern the nuances from every angle of spirit and cask. This is a delicate, balanced and unified blend that would impress even old school Scotch blenders.

Pairing recommendation. Sip this with an orange accented chocolate. My gosh, it's good!

BRAND NOTES


Cigar Cut Island Blend is a carefully selected combination of Old Elk’s Cask Finish Series, blending Old Elk’s base whiskeys, including the High-Malt Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Rye Whiskey and Straight Wheat Whiskey, before finishing them in Port, Sauternes, Sherry or Rum barrels. Cigar Cut base whiskeys are aged a minimum of six years before their second maturation, which lasts between two months and two years. The liquid leads with honey, spice and notes of pear on the nose. Stone fruit, pear, vanilla and honey grace the palate, for a layered tropical finish. Excellent paired with your favorite cigar, or standalone as your new favorite nightcap.

  • Aroma: Honey and spice, with notes of stone fruit
  • Palate: Sweet melon, dragonfruit, tangerine, honey and a rich peppery finish


Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Old Elk Cognac Finish Bourbon Review

There are days when I think, “I’m finished with cask finishes!” and then there are days when cask finishes redeem themselves. Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish did that recently when I tasted it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Old Elk Cognac Finish Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS


  • DISTILLER: Undisclosed, but likely Midwest Grain Products (MGP). Produced and bottled by Old Elk.
  • MASH BILL: 51% Corn | 15% Rye |34% Malted Barley
  • AGE: Minimum five years followed by ten months in cognac casks
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 109.7 (54.85% ABV)
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Widely available online

STEVE'S NOTES


SHARE WITH: Any whiskey fan, especially those appreciative of a nicely finished bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE: Absolutely.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle.

OVERALL: There are days when I think, "I'm finished with cask finishes!" and then there are days when cask finishes redeem themselves. Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish did that recently when I tasted it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a cask finish you want to send to whiskey makers who can't seem to achieve the balance of used casks and new whiskey like master distiller Greg Metze does here.

The nose on this is simply beautiful, floral (purple Iris for me), fruity, bready, and oaky, truly expressive of the grape distillate imprinted forever in the staves of this used Limousin cask. Leave the glass alone for a few minutes and return to find aromas of sliced red apple, cooked pear, warm caramel, graham cracker and cotton candy–a truly delightful nose!

On the palate comes buttercream, grape distillate, oak and chocolate babka all delivered in silken waves attributable to the bourbon's high malt content. These are times when reviewers say, "One hundred milliliters aren't enough to enjoy this sample fully." It's a dandy.

🥃
Explore our collection of Old Elk bourbon reviews.

BRAND NOTES


Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon: 109.7 proof, Five Year 54% corn/34% malted barley/15% rye straight bourbon, ten month finish in 72 gallon Limousin oak Cognac casks

Nose – Somewhat bright on the nose, but with a very mild finish.  There are classic bourbon notes of oak and caramel rise out of the glass.  With some time and swirling there’s a background of grape and a twist of funky oak and leather.

Taste – Rounded and balanced.  The Cognac finish is noticeable, but only just.  There are some layers of fruit and a hint of leather, a dash of nuttiness, and a medium oak backbone.

Finish – Fairly straightforward and a shorter finish here.  Perhaps medium length finish.  Where I would expect to find a funkier and brandy-forward evolution, it’s more along the lines of a five (ish) year bourbon that has just a gentle influence.


Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Old Elk Infinity Blend 2023 Review

The nose on this latest release is expressive and elegant, burly initially with damp oak and cigar box notes that quickly sweeten to cream soda, buttery cinnamon apples, and Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies.

Old Elk Infinity Blend 2023 Review

BOTTLE DETAILS


  • DISTILLER: Old Elk Distillery
  • MASH BILL: 15.3% Infinity Blend 2022 + 40% Old Elk High Malt Bourbon + 44.7% Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • AGE: A blend of whiskeys 7-13 years old
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 115.15 proof
  • MSRP: $150

DREW'S NOTES


SHARE WITH: Your friends who have their own infinity blends at home. Chances are very good that this is way better.

WORTH THE PRICE: It's a hefty asking price, especially considering this is mostly seven- and eight-year-old whiskey. Despite that, it's another impressive blend from Greg Metze and the Old Elk team and well-deserving of its SRP.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. On the heels of a stellar 2022 release, this latest Infinity project from Old Elk is another great release worthy of a spot on your bar. Maybe put it next to your personal "infinity blend" (which you should probably get rid of, anyway).

OVERALL: During his 38 years at MGP, 14 of them as Master Distiller, Greg Metze gave the world a ton of great whiskey, albeit often anonymously. A lot of distillers would hang up their whiskey thief after a career that successful but not Greg. His second act took him to Colorado and the Old Elk Distillery, where he's finally getting some well-deserved recognition and having a lot of fun building a portfolio of truly unique and artful whiskeys.

Perhaps the most impressive has been his annual Infinity Blend. First released in 2021, the project is modeled on the trend of homemade "infinity blends" whereby whiskey lovers continually add new whiskey to a vatting of other whiskeys (usually in a decanter filled with half measures left from a favorite or not-so-favorite bottle). Those who might see this as a gimmick should look no further than the blend breakdown, which notes a significant portion of the previous year's Infinity Blend, a base that would be hard to just blend over. There's also a pinch of 10-year-old wheat whiskey, a top dressing that one imagines Greg probably thought long and hard about.

So how is it?

The nose on this latest release is expressive and elegant, burly initially with damp oak and cigar box notes that quickly sweeten to cream soda, buttery cinnamon apples, and Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies. As it opens, chewy caramel and butter cake ooze from the glass. On the palate, things are more straightforward but exceptionally balanced, with notes of praline pecans, cinnamon toast, and peach pie. My one criticism is that it's just a little thin and light-bodied for a whiskey rich in aroma and flavor. While a minor nit to pick, that softer body actually serves to make it even more approachable and that much more drinkable. The finish lingers despite being almost effervescent, delivering notes of rich simple syrup and chocolate-covered raisins.

As you can see in the brand notes below, Old Elk promotes Infinity Blend as a liquid autobiography of Greg's long and distinguished career. As long as he keeps delivering whiskeys like this one, let's hope he doesn't take a second retirement any time soon.

BRAND NOTES


Old Elk Infinity Blend 2023 Review

We are proud to announce the third annual release of Master Distiller Greg Metze’s Infinity Blend Series. A testament to legacy and supreme craftsmanship, this new limited release is built on the foundation of the 2022 Infinity Blend and completed with gently matured and hand selected barrels of Old Elk Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey.

This year’s annual release of the Infinity Blend exemplifies what makes infinity bottles so unique. Like enthusiasts who blend fractions of their favorites in an unmarked decanter over time, Greg has created this blend to showcase his legacy and supreme artisanship – akin to an autobiography of a long and distinguished career. The 2023 Infinity Blend becomes an occasion to remember each of the good times shared while looking forward to new opportunities forged over a glass of whiskey.


Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Old Elk Wheat N’ Rye Review

It’s a lovely blend that I’m continuing to enjoy well after writing this review. In fact, I think I’m enjoying this blend more than when I drank its respective components alone. Proof once again that sometimes, 1+1 does equal more than just 2.

Old Elk Wheat N' Rye Review

BOTTLE DETAILS


  • DISTILLER: Old Elk Distillery
  • MASH BILL: A blend of wheat and rye whiskeys resulting in an overall mash bill of 57.6 % Wheat | 38% Rye | 4.4 Barley.
  • AGE: A blend of 7 and 6-year-old whiskeys.
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 108.4 (54.2% ABV)
  • SRP: $109.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Shop Old Elk

POPS' NOTES


SHARE WITH: Folks who love wheat and rye whiskey, and those that believe that sometimes 1+1 is more than 2.

WORTH THE PRICE: I so wanted to tell you. you that this one is worth the hefty price tag but despite being a lovely whiskey, this one falls short of being worth a $100+ investment.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Remove the price from the equation and I would easily give this a Bottle rating. But at $109.99 it's too pricey compared to other whiskeys that are just as good and more affordable. At this $$$ I recommend you give it a try at a bar before you commit to a full bottle.

OVERALL: A fresh pour yields a bright and enticing aroma of freshly baked bread drizzled with caramel, chocolate malt, and a fruity burst of rye spice and green apples. On the palate, it yields the expected sweetness up front with chocolate, caramel, and cherries. The upfront sweetness crashes into a complex mix of spices with rye leading the charge. It builds and just before the rye goes menthol it's interrupted with a nice hit of oak tannins to mix things up.

There's a lot going on with this pour and I found myself going back more additional sips for quite a while trying to figure it all out. My only critique is that the tannins that come out to play near the finish were a bit much. With a little less bitterness, the front of the palate sweetness would have rounded things out better on the finish.

Overall, it's a lovely blend that I'm continuing to enjoy well after writing this review. In fact, I think I'm enjoying this blend more than when I drank its respective components alone. Proof once again that sometimes, 1+1 does equal more than just 2.

BRAND NOTES


Old Elk Wheat N' Rye Review


The Old Elk Master’s Blend series creates new whiskey experiences by harnessing the genius of master distiller, Greg Metze to our deep inventory of bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys. In this expression, Greg calls upon his 40+ years of experience distilling millions of bottles of world-class rye whiskey throughout his career.

Wheat N’ Rye is a curated blend of our award-winning 7-Year Straight Wheat Whiskey and 6-Year Straight Rye Whiskey to create a masterful blend of the highly sought after flavor profiles of both.

TASTING NOTES
The contrasting profiles of these two whiskies create a harmonious, sweet, and spicy final taste profile.

ACCOLADES
Chairman’s Trophy, 95 Points | 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
Gold | 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards

SPECS
750ml bottle, limited national release


Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Old Elk Distillery Introduces A New Collection of Finished Whiskeys

Old Elk Releases a Tetrad of Cask Finished ProductsFort Collins, CO — The wait is over. Old Elk Distillery just unveiled their four new releases as a cask-finished series built off their award-winning and innovative Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon: S…

Old Elk Releases a Tetrad of Cask Finished ProductsFort Collins, CO -- The wait is over. Old Elk Distillery just unveiled their four new releases as a cask-finished series built off their award-winning and innovative Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon: Sherry, Port, Cognac, and Armagnac Cask Finishes. By carefully selecting freshly harvested barrels from some of the most exclusive European producers, Old Elk has introduced expressions of old-world charm to its refined new Western Bourbon. Each finish is matured and harvested as a micro-batch and these prized bottles will be a little rarer in the wild, but well worth the ...