Old elk distillery’s 2023 three bottle cask finish series
the bourbon review | seth thompson | july 7, 2023
Originally debuting its CASK FINISHING SERIES in 2021, Old Elk Distillery added a new addition in 2023 thus creating a 3 label lineup. Fans of Old Elk will recognize the gold medal-winning Port and Cognac Finishes, and the newest expression: a Barbados Rum Finish Rye Whiskey.
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado (about an hour north of Denver), the distillery has made an impressive impact on the national whiskey scene since its 2013 launch. Founded by Curt Richardson who in his previous life was the creator of OtterBox phone casing. Yes, the massively successful one you’ve probably owned at least once in your lifetime. And at Master Distiller, Greg Metz, an industry icon who spent nearly 40 years making whiskey at MGP.
Old Elk utilizes some of the most exclusive barrels from Europe and the Caribbean for secondary aging that bring a unique depth in each expression. For the adventurous in spirit, or a loyal whiskey enthusiast, the Cask Finish Series is based on the beloved High-Malt Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey mashbills with character from another world-renowned craft.
Each whiskey is aged five to six years, though their distinct character comes from an additional two to 12 months resting in these imported barrels and rare casks. RSP per each bottle is $99 with nationwide availability at select locations.
Old Elk Straight Rye Whiskey Rum Cask Finish is finished in 14-year-old Barbados rum barrels, offering a harmonious balance of richness and complexity, featuring aromas of allspice and a bold, complex flavor profile, ending with tobacco and overripe pineapple. The mash bill contains 95% rye and 5% malted barley. 101 Proof, 50.5% ABV.
Old Elk Straight Bourbon Whiskey Port Cask Finish is aged in casks from Portugal. The port finish brings out a luscious taste of deep rich, ripe fruit with an aroma of oak and sweet honey and a sweet flavor from the Old Elk high-malt mash bill of 51% Corn, 34% Barley, and 15% Rye. 108.1 Proof, 54.05% ABV. Winner of Gold Medal, 2021: 92 Points, Exceptional, Beverage Testing Institute.
Old Elk Straight Bourbon Whiskey Cognac Cask Finish is matured in world-class cognac casks and yields aromas of honey, orchid, apples, oak, and a flavor profile featuring smoke on the finish, which can be attributed to the Old Elk high-malt mash bill of 51% Corn, 34% Barley, and 15% Rye. 109.7 Proof, 54.85% ABV. Winner of Gold Medal, 2021: 92 Points, Exceptional, Beverage Testing Institute.
Read the full article at gobourbon.com