Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Old Elk · Old Elk Distillery
Old Elk's wheated expression demonstrates that Colorado can produce bourbon with genuine softness and depth. The high wheat content delivers a pillowy texture without sacrificing complexity, making this an excellent sipper for those who appreciate restraint over bombast.
Kit Aromas
Nose
Warm butterscotch and toasted wheat open immediately, followed by ripe red apple and a dusting of cinnamon. A gentle vanilla sweetness threads through, anchored by faint oak and dried corn husk.
Palate
Soft and round on entry, with caramel and wheat bread dominating the mid-palate. Cherry and pecan emerge as the whiskey opens, with a mild leather note adding structure. The mouthfeel is creamy without being heavy.
Finish
Medium length, with butterscotch fading into toasted oak and a whisper of maple syrup. Clean and satisfying.
- Mash Bill
- 51% Corn, 34% Wheat, 15% Malted Barley
- Barrel Type
- New charred American oak
- Bottled in Bond
- No
- Single Barrel
- No
- Wheated
- Yes
Cocktail Suggestion
Wheat Field Sour — 2 oz Old Elk Wheated Bourbon · 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice · 0.5 oz honey syrup · 1 egg white · Dry shake, then shake with ice, strain into coupe, garnish with lemon peel.
Food Pairing
The bourbon's butterscotch and wheat character aligns beautifully with brown butter pastry and caramelized peaches, while the cherry notes in the whiskey echo the stone fruit warmth.
Built under the guidance of former Beam master distiller Greg Metze, Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins uses an unusually high proportion of malted barley in its wheated mash bill to coax out soft, bready character from Colorado's high-altitude climate.
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