Old Elk Launches Limited Edition Cigar Cut Island Blend

by Nino Kilgore-Marchetti
October 18, 2023

Old Elk Distillery recently announced the limited national release of its Cigar Cut Island Blend. This is the second annual release of Old Elk Cigar Cut, crafted entirely by Old Elk’s Production Manager, Melinda Maddox.

Cigar Cut Island Blend was inspired by Old Elk’s initial Cigar Cut release, and paves the way for future Cigar Cut releases. This second release is a 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 what’s described as “honey, spice and notes of pear on the nose. Stone fruit, pear, vanilla and honey grace the palate, for a layered tropical finish.”

Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend — Old Elk Distillery recently announced the limited national release of its Cigar Cut Island Blend. This is the second annual release of Old Elk Cigar Cut, crafted entirely by Old Elk’s Production Manager, Melinda Maddox. (image via Old Elk)

“Cigar Cut was designed to celebrate the summer moments we all cherish, whether that be enjoying a sunset and a nice glass of whiskey, getting the family together, or going on vacation with friends,” said Old Elk’s Production Manager, Melinda Maddox, in a prepared statement. “We recognize that consumers like pairing Cigar Cut with their lifestyles so I turned to our Cask Finish Barrels for this release with our fans’ voices in mind. I wanted Island Blend to give our loyal customers a way to hold on to the final days of summer.”

As production manager, Maddox manages Old Elk’s blending, bottling, and Single Barrel program. The Cigar Cut program showcases her 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.

Maddox is on the path to becoming Old Elk’s Master Blender. She has been an apprentice to Master Distiller Greg Metze for the past 3 years, learning his practice and innovating his formula and quality liquids.

“Melinda and I have been working together for several years as we strive to innovate Old Elk’s brand and portfolio of products. She will be the next generation Master Blender for Old Elk and has demonstrated a high level of skill and competency through her Cask Finish program that she has pioneered on her own. Cigar Cut Island Blend is a glowing endorsement of her efforts,” said Metze.

Old Elk’s Cigar Cut Island Blend is available at select retailers in the United States with a suggested retail price of $129.99 per 750ml bottle at 111.7 proof. For more information, visit https://www.oldelk.com/cigar-cut-blend.