Old Elk Single Barrel Straight Wheat Whiskey

Old Elk 6 year - 58.3% ABV Total Wine WA Select Taste - (w/o water) Bit hot, tannic, leather, caramel, tiny bit of bitter oak, charred cinnamon (w/ water) Reduced initial heat, returns later, more bitter somehow?, caramel, vanilla, heat comes back at the end Finish - (w/o water) Lingering heat, oaky bitterness, lightly grassy, slightly burnt bread bitterness (w/ water) Less heat/tingle, caramel, lingering heat, oaky bitterness Score - 72/100 Final Thoughts - The nose on this was surprisingly subtle for the proof, but once it hit the tongue, the full proof came out as this felt hot. What's a bit strange is that there's this subtle bitterness that's there, that ends up being kind of distracting. There are the typical notes of vanilla, caramel, & cinnamon, but they aren't as front and center as I'd like. The oaky bitterness in this one takes over quite a bit & although it's drinkable neat, I think I'd much prefer this in an old fashioned or a manhattan to help mask the bitterness. The flavors & punch are there for sure, but not sure I like it enough to regularly sip it neat outside of cocktails. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Nose: Vanilla, Sugar-coated waffle cone, light caramel, light ethanol Palate: Oily mouthfeel, salted caramel, oak, creme brûlée Finish: Relatively long and dry, some oak and black pepper that sits on the middle of the tongue This pour always catches my eye when I walk past the shelf. Made of 95% American Winter Wheat and 5% malted barley, this mashbill is trickier to perfect than most. However, the rich oils and dessert-like smells confirm that this was handled well. These bottles carry an age statement of about 5-6 years, so it is relatively young, but they leave it at cask strength so you can really ascertain the complexity. The nose of sweet waffle cone and vanilla jumps out of the glass with salt, caramel, and creme brûlée enveloping the palate with rich, oily character upon first sip. The experience shifts to some barrel character on the finish, with some oak and black pepper that dries your mouth and keeps you coming back for the sweetness. My particular bottle is a selection for Corks Wine and Spirits and is 115.8 proof, not 112.

LK Phase 3. 58.3% Dense sweetness. Dates and grains. Oak and hard candy. Not too sweet. Full feel with a full finish. Almost like a kentucky rye in profile.

Wow! A store pick from Super Fine Wine & Liquor at 116.2 proof. Aged 5 years. Smooth & sweet. Not hot as the proof might indicate.

Old elk this was pretty damn good. I think this was slightly better than the stagg jr but that's mine opinion

OBS pick. Aged 6 years. Mild nose. Has some sweetness. Soft. Medium finish for the proof.