Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years is a straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 110 proof, crafted with an unconventional high-malted barley mashbill that delivers exceptional sweetness and refinement. This single barrel expression showcases eleven years of careful aging, resulting in a bold yet balanced Kentucky-style bourbon with distinctive character that sets it apart from traditional grain bills.

Founded on the philosophy of breaking bourbon conventions, Old Elk Distillery revolutionized American whiskey with their innovative approach to mashbill composition. By incorporating four times more malted barley than traditional recipes—34 percent compared to the industry standard 8-12 percent—master distillers created a bourbon that bridges the gap between classic American whiskey tradition and modern flavor innovation. This particular single barrel represents the pinnacle of their craft, selected for its exceptional balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Honeyed grain, vanilla custard, toasted oak, dried orange peel, subtle baking spices
• Palate: Rich corn sweetness, malted barley richness, clove spice, caramel, dark chocolate, balanced oak tannins
• Finish: Long, refined finish with lingering sweet grain, warm spice, and gentle oak fade

Product Details

Perfect For

• Neat Sipping: The high proof and complex profile reward contemplative tasting
• Special Occasions: Single barrel exclusivity makes this ideal for milestone celebrations
• Bourbon Collectors: Unique mashbill composition appeals to enthusiasts seeking distinctive expressions
• Premium Cocktails: Robust proof and sweet profile elevate classic bourbon cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years different from other bourbons?

Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years features an unconventional mashbill with 34% malted barley—four times more than traditional bourbon recipes. This high malted barley content creates exceptional sweetness and smoothness while maintaining the classic bourbon character from 51% corn and adding subtle spice from 15% rye. The result is a more refined, sweet-forward bourbon profile.

How should I drink Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years?

This bourbon is excellent neat or with a few drops of water to open up the complex flavors. At 110 proof, it has enough intensity for cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Boulevardiers, but the unique mashbill truly shines when sipped slowly to appreciate the interplay between sweet malted barley and traditional bourbon notes.

Is Old Elk Single Barrel worth the investment?

Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years offers exceptional value for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something distinctive. The innovative mashbill, eleven-year aging, and single barrel selection create a unique flavor profile that stands apart from mass-market bourbons. For collectors and serious drinkers, it represents both quality craftsmanship and approachable innovation.

What does Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years taste like?

Old Elk Single Barrel 11 Years delivers a sweet-forward bourbon experience with rich grain character, vanilla, and honey notes from the high malted barley content. The corn provides classic bourbon sweetness while the rye adds gentle clove spice. The overall profile is smooth and refined despite the robust 110 proof, with a long, warming finish.

What bourbons are similar to Old Elk Single Barrel?

For admirers of high-malted barley bourbons, consider Maker's Mark 46 or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for similar sweetness and refinement. Those who appreciate innovative mashbills might enjoy High West Bourye or Four Roses Single Barrel selections. However, Old Elk's 34% malted barley content creates a truly distinctive profile in the bourbon landscape.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.