Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

We review Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a new project from former MGP distiller Greg Metze, better known as the man behind many of today's popular rye whiskeys.

OVERALL RATING

5
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Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Nose:
At first sniff, I’m taken aback by a strong cherry jolly rancher/cough syrup note, which mingles with brown sugar, vanilla, and sticky caramel. There’s just a whisper of oak in the background. After a few minutes in the glass, the artificial fruit note mellows out, and I get a rounder vanilla-butterscotch character, with some good spice layered in.
Palate:


Finish:
Comments:
Overall, I don’t particularly care for this bourbon. I find the nose unbalanced, and I’m honestly mystified as to how the palate is so fiery hot at this ABV. Water improves things quite a bit, but at $45, I still wouldn’t spring for this. Metze, obviously, is the real deal, and this project could show promise in the future, but this initial offering needs work.

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.

Katelyn Best

Katelyn Best, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, is a regular contributor to The Whiskey Wash. She has a particular passion for exploring the unique and unconventional aspects of the whisky world.

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