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Whiskey Review: Old Elk Straight Rye Rum Cask Finish

We review Old Elk Straight Rye Rum Cask Finish, finished in 14-year-old Barbados rum barrels.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Old Elk Straight Rye Rum Cask Finish review

Tasting Notes

About:

95% rye and 5% malted barley, 101 proof or 50.5% abv. Suggested retail price of $99.99.
Appearance:
Old gold, almost an amber color.
Nose:
Alcohol jumps out immediately, it took me a moment to readjust. After the initial alcohol burst we find sugar cane sweetness, molasses sugar, and mangos. There is a subtle nuttiness, but overall this is very dark rum forward with a pleasant whiskey afterthought.
Palate:
This was very dry. I had to ride the first sip out to allow my mouth to adjust. A lot of rum notes off the bat like molasses sugar, coconut, and jerking spices. However, as the jerk spices started to mellow, I found the rye spice, vanilla, caramel, oak, and charcoal notes typical to whiskey. The finish held to the tongue and palate while maintaining the dry overall feel. I wouldn’t describe the mouthfeel as rounded, but it wasn’t particularly sharp either. The rum notes came back to overpower the whiskey in the finish and I found molasses notes mixed with charcoal and smoke.
Finish:
Comments:
The rum did exactly what I had hoped – it took a young rye whiskey and mellowed out some of the harsher notes. It is interesting to drink. The rye notes build quickly but right before they crescendo the rum mutes the profile. The rum sweetness and tropical profiles help round the notes without destroying them.rnrnI couldn’t determine if the rye whiskey was too young to compete with the rum, or if the rum was too old to allow the rye to express itself. If you happen to be a fan of rum finished whiskey, I do believe you will like this. Even if you’re interested in finishing casks, you might enjoy this.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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