Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon 750ML

Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon 750ML is a Colorado-made blended straight bourbon bottled at 44% ABV (88 proof) in a 750ml format. Distinguished by a mashbill containing four times more malted barley than most bourbons, this expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast that same year.

Quick Facts: ABV: 44% (88 Proof)  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA  |  Blended Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery

Production & Heritage

Old Elk Distillery operates out of Fort Collins, Colorado, under the direction of Master Distiller Greg Metze, a veteran with decades of experience in American whiskey production. The bourbon's mashbill — 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye — leans heavily on malt, a deliberate choice that drives the expression's signature creamy, biscuity richness. Equally important is Old Elk's proprietary "Slow Cut" proofing process, which stretches the water-addition stage from the industry-standard 24–48 hours to several weeks, cutting and resting the spirit repeatedly until the desired smoothness and depth of character are achieved.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toasted almonds and warm vanilla open the nose, followed by sweet caramel, clove spice, and a light maple undertone. A subtle citrus brightness and gentle oak round out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is soft and creamy, with honeyed grains and caramel leading into a mid-palate of chocolate malt and raw bran. Deeper notes of coconut, maple syrup, and almond develop as the bourbon opens, with measured rye spice adding structure without overwhelming the malt-driven sweetness.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering chocolate, toasted grain, and a whisper of warm baking spice. The texture remains silky through the close, reflecting the extended proofing regimen.

How to Drink Old Elk Bourbon

Neat or with a single ice cube is the most rewarding way to experience the malt-forward character — the creamy body holds up well as it opens with a touch of dilution. For cocktails, the profile translates particularly well in a Boulevardier, where its chocolate and caramel notes anchor the bitter-sweet interplay; an Old Fashioned, where the inherent sweetness reduces the need for added sugar; and a Whiskey Sour, where the almond and malt richness adds depth against the citrus.

Best For

• Introducing a bourbon-curious friend to craft American whiskey
• Building a Colorado spirits collection alongside other regional distillers
• After-dinner sipping paired with dark chocolate or dessert
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unique mashbill experimentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Elk Bourbon taste like? Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon leads with creamy caramel, chocolate malt, and toasted almond, backed by honeyed grains and gentle rye spice. The high malted barley content gives it a distinctly smooth, biscuit-like richness uncommon in bourbon.

How does Old Elk Bourbon compare to Basil Hayden's? Both are positioned as approachable, easy-sipping bourbons, but Old Elk uses 34% malted barley versus Basil Hayden's high-rye recipe, resulting in a noticeably creamier, malt-driven profile. Old Elk's extended "Slow Cut" proofing process also contributes additional smoothness that differentiates it texturally.

Is Old Elk Bourbon good for sipping neat? At 88 proof, Old Elk sits in a comfortable range for neat drinking, delivering full flavor without excessive heat. The malt-heavy mashbill and prolonged proofing process create a particularly smooth sip that rewards unhurried tasting.

Where is Old Elk Bourbon made? Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The distillery was recognized as Colorado "Distillery of the Year" by the New York International Spirits Competition for 2016–2017.

What foods pair well with Old Elk Bourbon? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's cocoa and malt notes; smoked almonds echo its nutty character; aged Gouda matches its caramel sweetness; grilled stone fruit like peaches plays off the maple and vanilla; and pecan pie mirrors the toasted grain and brown sugar qualities.

What sizes does Old Elk Bourbon come in? The standard bottling is available in a 750ml format, which is the most widely distributed size for this expression.

Is Old Elk Bourbon worth the price? Old Elk positions as a premium craft bourbon, sitting above mass-market labels but within reach for regular enjoyment. Its Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating suggest strong value relative to its price tier.

Why Old Elk Bourbon?

The 34% malted barley mashbill is the headline here — it's roughly quadruple the malt content found in most bourbon recipes, and the effect on body and flavor is immediately apparent. Combined with Greg Metze's "Slow Cut" proofing technique, which stretches the water-integration stage across weeks rather than hours, the result is a bourbon with an unusually creamy, layered texture that stands apart in a crowded field. Competition accolades — Gold Medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and International Whisky Competition, plus 90 points from Wine Enthusiast — validate the approach with critical recognition. For drinkers seeking a bourbon that genuinely tastes different from the Kentucky mainstream, Old Elk's malt-forward identity delivers a compelling reason to explore Colorado whiskey.