Old Elk Single Barrel Straight Bourbon

Big Red Liquors selection, 107.2 proof. Like most custom additions on this app, I had to choose between a bunch of duplicates, but this was the closest to true. Remember, you're not special. I've avoided the standard blended offering because blended bourbons are a waste of time. I didn't think that the same distillery would do single batches, let alone single barrels and barrel picks. A lot of stuff on paper makes this sound like a good pick, at a good price, and from my birth state, too. Let's see. The nose has great rye spice, closer to the mint and grass, with good classic amounts of barrel vanilla and caramel as well. It's not very unique so far, but that's usually par for the course for a good bourbon; sticking to tradition usually pays off. There is a decent harsh nose burn, but the proof is high enough for this to be expected without being alarming. The initial taste is that of raw distillate, which I usually taste and associate with brandy or grape. This doesn't last, though, as the rye spice starts to build high, peak through the finish along with a moderate burn, before sugary, candy notes fade along with air in the mouth. The oak is nice, but tastes too raw for my preference. In reality, it's likely only as low as a level 3 char, but it tastes like it could be a 2, maybe even a 1 (I have almost no experience with chars of those levels). It seems like a longer age would solve most of the dislikes I have, but this hits a good minimum level that I still enjoy. Honestly, this has the makings of a good, no-nonsense bourbon, but it does taste like it came out of CO. What I mean by that is, if all the same process for this particular batch and bottle were done in KY, using ingredients and nuances local to that area, it would be probable that I would enjoy it more. Sure, it may just be a placebo knowing that, but given that myself and very many others have probably not had or even seen other whiskey offerings from CO, means that we have to guess and judge based on no empirical evidence of any kind. Worth it, yes, but not enough to explore a different barrel, nor does not stand enough on it's own for the blended version to be explorable.

Tasting: 2 oz neat in glen cairn, then 2 drops. This is a Binny's pick, Barrel #61. Nose (3.5): Vanilla and creamed corn. Tells me 2 things-- going to be a little young, and looking at some high corn in the mashbill likely. The nose is soft and inviting, just a little difficult to find. The corn I get reminds me of corn pops. Palate (3.75): Vanilla is forward but more in a custard with pie crust note. The mouthfeel is thicker. Corn pops are on the back end. It isn't off putting but is just a bit out of place. Very much on the sweeter side. Finish (3.75): where the palate was sweet, I now have found some pepper and oakiness to it. Was surprised at first because this hit me without warning. The sweetness doesn't fade or give way to spice like I enjoy, but instead of jumps out at you like a ghost in the dark. Overall: This is my first introduction to the brand. I love what Greg Metze has done in the past before Old Elk for mgp so I was juiced. Given that this was a picked barrel got me even more stoked. I can't say I was disappointed, but I can say I wasn't wowed. The balance was off-- too much treble, not enough bass so to speak. I think that 6 yrs may not have been enough. Everything about it was good individually but not enough cohesively. UPDATE ON 3/1: I stand by my above notes but I have a comparison for those interested....suspiciously this profile is really close to Stranahan's Yellow Label Single Barrel. I am wondering if they do not share sources.

A&B store pick. Old Elk has gotten some press for its wheated profile being a poor man's Pappy. I would say that is probably some over praise, but was interested to give this one a try in any case. Nose is definitely a sweet wheat presence. It may sound odd, but it's almost sweet Sunday morning bakery stuff here. First sip has a really nice full presence. Corn mash, vanilla, and maybe a touch of honey on the edges. Parts of this dram almost conjure up sweet honey glazed corn muffins. The finish brings a little heat that catches you a bit off guard given the general smooth profile on the front end. Overall I find this to be a really nice pour. Not sure it is banging down the next great pappy door, but still very nice.

Nose - Banana bread. Vanilla. Chocolate? But milk chocolate. Brownie with walnuts. Baking spices. A bakery. Palate - Vanilla. Clove. Baking spice. Caramel. Blend of sweetness and spice. Cinnamon sugar. Sweet vanilla cream topped with cinnamon sugar. Spicy creme brulee that is actually tasty! Finish - Hot but sweet. Thin going down with a accents of cinnamon. ****Store pick from EZ LIQUOR****

"Saluting the brave that protect us" Coast Guard Exchange barrel pick. On the nose there's corn, tobacco, and brown sugar. On the palate it's smooth for the proof, but very evident that it's MGP. A slight musty corn taste and decent amount of building rye spice. Overall it's good, but not great.

Nose: smoked caramel. Oak. Vanilla. Cinnamon. Light red young fruits. Taste: caramel smooth oak. Vanilla light smokiness. Finish: vanilla and caramel with a little bit of a bitter barrel wood which is the only bad thing about the entire bottle