Tasting Notes
- Nose: Caramel corn, vanilla custard, honeyed wheat bread, toasted oak, dried orange peel
- Palate: Rich corn sweetness, creamy wheat texture, baking spices, brown butter, dark chocolate, maple syrup
- Finish: Long and warming with lingering oak tannins, wheat grain character, and gentle spice
Product Details
| Spirit Type | Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 55% (110 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Age Statement | 10 Years |
| Distillery | Old Elk Distillery |
| Region | Ohio, USA |
| Mash Bill | 51% Corn, 46% Wheat, 3% Malted Barley |
| Barrel Type | Single Barrel |
Perfect For
- Whiskey Collectors: Single barrel expressions offer unique character variations worth preserving
- Neat Sipping: The wheated profile and decade of aging create exceptional sipping complexity
- Special Occasions: High-proof single barrels make memorable gifts for bourbon enthusiasts
- Comparative Tastings: Ideal for exploring the difference between wheated and rye-based bourbons
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Old Elk Single Barrel 10 Years taste like?
This wheated bourbon delivers rich corn sweetness balanced by wheat's creamy, bread-like character. The 10-year aging contributes deep oak influence with vanilla, caramel, and baking spice notes. Unlike rye-heavy bourbons, the high wheat content creates exceptional smoothness even at 110 proof, allowing subtle fruit and chocolate undertones to emerge.
Is Old Elk Single Barrel good for cocktails?
While excellent neat, this single barrel bourbon works beautifully in spirit-forward cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. The 110 proof provides excellent structure that won't get lost when mixed, while the wheat's smoothness prevents harshness. However, given its single barrel nature and premium positioning, many enthusiasts prefer savoring it neat.
How should I drink Old Elk Single Barrel 10 Years?
This bourbon shines when served neat in a Glencairn glass or over a single large ice cube. The 110 proof benefits from a few minutes of air exposure to open up the aromatics. Adding a small amount of distilled water can unlock additional flavors, particularly the wheat grain character and underlying fruit notes.
What makes Old Elk's wheated bourbon different?
Old Elk's high wheat content (46% compared to typical 15-20% in wheated bourbons) creates distinctive character. This substantial wheat percentage produces exceptional smoothness while maintaining complexity. The careful balance with 51% corn and minimal malted barley allows both grains to express their individual characteristics without competition from rye's spiciness.
Is Old Elk Single Barrel worth the investment?
For wheated bourbon enthusiasts, this represents excellent value in the aged single barrel category. The 10-year age statement, unique mash bill composition, and single barrel exclusivity justify the premium. Each bottle offers unrepeatable character variations that appeal to collectors and serious bourbon drinkers seeking distinctive expressions.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.