Old Elk Whiskey

Exploring the Rich History and Smooth Taste of Old Elk Bourbon

Imagine sitting by a warm fireplace on a chilly evening, sipping a glass of bourbon that transports your senses to a world of rich flavors and smooth textures. This is the experience that Old Elk Bourbon offers, a blended straight bourbon whiskey that has captivated the palates of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. In this journey, we will explore the unique blend of Old Elk Bourbon, its tasting notes, the innovative distillery behind it, comparisons to other bourbons, and the perfect pairing suggestions to elevate your Old Elk Bourbon experience.

Key Takeaways

• Old Elk Bourbon is a unique blend crafted by Master Distiller Greg Metze featuring high malted barley content and slow reduction processes.

• Old Elk Bourbon stands out from other bourbons due to its smooth and rich taste with pairings suitable for both experienced connoisseurs and new drinkers alike.

• Liquorama's Old Elk Single Barrel Exclusive is hand-picked for Liquorama customers to enjoy.

The Unique Blend of Old Elk Bourbon

Old Elk Bourbon’s distinct taste profile is a testament to the expertise of Master Distiller Greg Metze and the non-traditional recipe used at the Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The secret behind this exquisite bourbon lies in its high malted barley content, which is four times more than conventional recipes, resulting in sweet, light components and a nutty almond taste that sets Old Elk Bourbon apart from its competitors.

Bringing nearly four decades of experience, Master Distiller Greg Metze skilfully crafts each batch of bourbon at the Old Elk Distillery, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors. The old elk blended straight bourbon is aged for a minimum of four years and boasts an 88 Proof, making it a delightful option for bourbon aficionados.

Malted Barley Combined

The unique mashbill for Old Elk Bourbon consists of 51% corn, 34% barley, and 15% rye, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that contributes to its smooth taste profile. The high malted barley content imparts sweet, light elements, while the rye provides a spicy essence of clove, and the corn adds a classic rich bourbon character.

Incorporating malted barley into Old Elk Bourbon’s mashbill involves a process of blending it with various grains and even Cognac barrels, aiming for a well-rounded and flavor-rich profile. This innovative approach to blending malted barley results in a non-traditional bourbon that generates sweet and light components, making Old Elk Bourbon a standout choice for those seeking a unique drinking experience.

Master Distiller Greg Metze

Greg Metze’s illustrious career in the bourbon industry began at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and continued as Master Distiller at the MGP distillery in Indiana before he took the helm at Old Elk Distillery. His passion for bourbon and vast experience shine through his meticulous attention to the distillation process of Old Elk Bourbon.

Metze utilizes a unique slow reduction process and a proprietary Slow Cut™ proofing process in the distillation of Old Elk Bourbon. These techniques, combined with his keen eye for quality, ensure that Old Elk Bourbon is crafted to perfection, resulting in a truly unique and enjoyable bourbon experience.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors

A symphony of flavors dances on the palate with Old Elk Bourbon, harmoniously combining:

• sweet vanilla

• maple syrup

• deep wood

• chocolate

• clove spice

• nutty almond

This captivating blend of flavors sets Old Elk Bourbon apart, offering a rich and palate-pleasing experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Old Elk Bourbon is a flavor-laden spirit. Each sip reveals new nuances, such as:

• honey

• vanilla

• toasted grains

• oak

• cinnamon

• apricot

• apple peel

• licorice

• caraway seed

• banana

• black pepper

These diverse tasting notes come together to create a truly unique and indulgent straight bourbon whiskey experience that is sure to gratify any bourbon aficionado.

Sweet Vanilla and Maple Syrup

The sweet vanilla and maple syrup flavors in Old Elk Bourbon contribute to a rich and palatable taste profile that sets it apart from other bourbons. Their presence is no accident, as the high malted barley content in the mashbill is responsible for generating these sweet and light components.

The flavors of this dish, inspired by traditional recipes, include:

• Smooth and creamy vanilla

• Subtle sweetness and complexity from maple syrup, with a slight maple touch

• Caramel notes

• Clove spice

• Nutty almond flavor

These flavors work together to create a harmonious and delicious taste experience.

The sweetness of vanilla and maple syrup in Old Elk Bourbon creates a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience that is truly unforgettable.

Deep Wood and Chocolate

The deep wood and chocolate notes in Old Elk Bourbon add another layer of complexity to its already impressive taste profile. The charred barrels employed in bourbon production can impart flavors reminiscent of:

• Chocolate

• Sweet oak wood

• Maple

• Nutty almond

These specific types of wood flavors contribute to the rich character of the bourbon.

These deep wood and chocolate flavors complement the sweet vanilla and maple syrup notes, creating a well-rounded and indulgent bourbon experience. The interplay of these flavors adds depth and interest to each sip, encouraging the drinker to savor and appreciate the craftsmanship behind this exceptional bourbon.

Clove Spice and Nutty Almond

The flavor profile of Old Elk Bourbon includes:

• Clove spice

• Nutty almond undertones

• Sweet vanilla

• Maple syrup flavors

The spicy essence of clove comes from the rye, adding a touch of warmth to the bourbon’s taste profile. The almond flavor, on the other hand, contributes a nutty and mildly sweet element to the overall flavor profile of the bourbon.

These contrasting flavors work together harmoniously, creating a multifaceted taste experience that is both complex and satisfying. The interplay between the following flavors ensures that each sip of Old Elk Bourbon is a journey of discovery and enjoyment:

• Clove spice

• Nutty almond

• Sweet vanilla

• Maple syrup

A Liquorama Old Elk Exclusive

At Liquorama, we have an exclusive Old Elk bottle you'll surely enjoy. Get your hands on a single-barrel bottle of Old Elk high-malt bourbon handpicked by Liquorama. With a unique flavor profile, this Old Elk Liquorama Exclusive uses traditional Old Elk techniques. 

The mash bill is quite a bit different than your traditional mash bill. The mash bill for this exclusive bottle contains 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye. That's four times the amount of malted barley in a traditional recipe. Although a bit non-traditional, this mashbill creates a sweet lightness that deliciously contrasts with an overall robust profile.

The Old Elk Distillery: Crafting Non-Traditional Bourbon

Nestled in the picturesque town of Fort Collins, Colorado, the Old Elk Distillery is a beacon of innovation in the world of bourbon. Established by Curt Richardson in 2013, the distillery transcends traditional methods of crafting bourbon, elevating the bourbon landscape with its unique approach.

At the heart of Old Elk Distillery’s non-traditional approach is their commitment to using a high malted barley content in their recipe, as well as employing a unique slow reduction process and a slow cut proofing technique in bourbon production. These inventive methods, combined with the expertise of Master Distiller Greg Metze, result in a bourbon that is truly exceptional and stands out in a crowded market.

Blending House Techniques

The blending house at Old Elk Distillery is where the magic happens, as they employ steadfast blending techniques to craft their bourbon. Their unique approach includes using traditional ingredients such as malted barley, corn, and rye in their recipe, as well as creating distinctive blends in their Masters Blend Series, which are tested, tasted, and modified for optimum results.

One of the most notable techniques employed by Old Elk Distillery is their Slow Cut™ proofing process, where proofing water is added gradually over several weeks or more, allowing ample time for flavors to combine and ensuring a consistent taste profile. This attention to detail and commitment to innovation sets Old Elk Distillery apart and contributes to the exceptional taste and quality of their bourbon.

Raw Bran and Light Components

The raw bran and light components used in the production of Old Elk Bourbon contribute to its distinct taste and rich flavor profile. These components include:

• Maple syrup

• Almond

• Chocolate

• Deep wood

• Coconut

These ingredients are carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavors that sets Old Elk Bourbon apart from traditional bourbons.

The use of raw bran and light components in the production of Old Elk Bourbon showcases the distillery’s dedication to crafting a unique and memorable bourbon experience. The resulting flavor profile is complex and well-balanced, making Old Elk Bourbon a standout choice for those seeking a non-traditional bourbon that delivers on taste and quality.

Pairing Suggestions: Enhancing the Old Elk Bourbon Experience

Pairing Old Elk Bourbon with complementary food and cigars can truly enhance your experience. The right pairing can enhance the flavors of the bourbon, creating a harmonious and indulgent experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or new to the world of bourbon, exploring pairing suggestions is a fantastic way to discover the full potential of Old Elk Bourbon and create unforgettable tasting experiences.

Food Pairings

Ideal food pairings for Old Elk Bourbon include:

• Ham

• Milk chocolate

• Cheese

• Salmon

• Hard-aged cheese

• Desserts featuring chocolate and coffee or vanilla and caramel

These foods complement the rich flavors of Old Elk Bourbon, creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.

Pairing Old Elk Bourbon with complementary flavors can unveil new dimensions in the bourbon’s taste profile, allowing you to savor and appreciate the craftsmanship behind this exceptional spirit. So, the next time you reach for a glass of Old Elk Bourbon, consider pairing it with one of these delicious food options to enhance your tasting experience:

• Dark chocolate

• Grilled steak

• Caramelized bananas

• Smoked salmon

• Roasted pecans

Cigar Pairings

Identifying the right cigar pairings for Old Elk Bourbon can take your tasting experience to a whole new level. Master Distiller Greg Metze recommends pairing Old Elk Bourbon with the Cigar Cut Island Blend, while other suitable options include Ashton VSG, Arturo Fuente Anejo, and those made by My Father cigars.

When pairing cigars with Old Elk Bourbon, consider the following factors to achieve a harmonious combination that enhances the overall experience:

• Strength

• Flavor profile

• Balance

• Personal preference

The smoothness and complexity of Old Elk Bourbon are sure to complement the smoky and robust flavors of cigars, creating a memorable and indulgent pairing.

Summary

In conclusion, Old Elk Bourbon stands out as a unique and exceptional bourbon, offering a smooth and rich flavor profile that is sure to captivate the senses. From its innovative production techniques and high malted barley content to the expert craftsmanship of Master Distiller Greg Metze, Old Elk Bourbon provides a truly unparalleled tasting experience. So, whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or simply looking to explore new flavors, consider embarking on a journey with Old Elk Bourbon and indulge in the symphony of flavors it has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which distillery makes Old Elk?

Old Elk operates its own distillery in Colorado, sourced from MGP. It does not follow the traditional path of sourcing from other distilleries.

What does Old Elk taste like?

Old Elk Bourbon has a sweet, toasty start with notes of honey, toasted grains, funky vanilla and toasted oak followed by spicy cinnamon, apricot, red apple peel, licorice, caraway seed, and banana. It finishes off with a slight oaky and spicy bite.

Who is the owner of Old Elk whiskey?

Curt Richardson is the Founder and Chairman of Old Elk Distillery and Co-Founder and Chairman of Blue Ocean Enterprises, Inc., responsible for creating and leading innovation initiatives.

Who is Greg Metze?

Greg Metze is the Master Distiller of Old Elk Distillery, having spent 38 years working for Seagram's Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the world's largest distilleries.

What makes Old Elk Bourbon unique compared to other bourbons?

Old Elk Bourbon stands out due to its high malted barley content, as well as the experienced craftsmanship of Master Distiller Greg Metze, creating an exceptionally smooth and rich flavor.