Old Elk Double Wheat Straight Whiskey 750ML

Old Elk Double Wheat Straight Whiskey 750ML is an innovative American wheat whiskey bottled at 53.55% ABV (107.1 proof) in a 750ml format. A two-time Double Gold medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2022 and 2024), this expression merges two separate wheated whiskeys into a single high-proof blend that stands apart from conventional wheat whiskey or wheated bourbon.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53.55% (107.1 Proof)  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado / Indiana  |  Straight Whiskey  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery

Production & Heritage

Old Elk Distillery, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, was founded with Master Distiller Greg Metze at the helm — a veteran with decades of experience at what is now Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP) in Indiana, where the liquid for this expression is distilled. The Double Wheat achieves its 71.5% wheat, 25% corn, and 3.5% malted barley composite mashbill by blending two distinct whiskeys: Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey (95% wheat, 5% malted barley) and Old Elk Straight Wheat Bourbon (51% corn, 45% wheat, 5% malted barley). Proofing follows Old Elk's proprietary Slow Cut process, which takes weeks rather than days, adding small increments of water to keep the liquid cool and preserve the delicate flavor compounds that higher wheat content develops during aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramelized corn and soft floral tones greet the nose first, followed by toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and a thread of banana bread. Underneath, gentle baking spices — cinnamon and almond — build quietly without overpowering the sweeter aromatics.

Taste: The entry is silky and velvety, immediately distinct from sharper rye-forward whiskeys. Mid-palate, layers of caramel, vanilla custard, and honeycomb unfold alongside subtle cinnamon warmth. At 107.1 proof, there is genuine weight here, yet the wheat-heavy mashbill keeps everything rounded and approachable rather than hot.

Finish: Bright and surprisingly crisp, with fresh fruit notes that linger alongside fading vanilla and a clean cereal sweetness. The finish is medium-long, leaving a pleasant warmth rather than a burn — a hallmark of the Slow Cut proofing method.

How to Drink Double Wheat

At 107.1 proof, a small splash of water opens up the floral and honeycomb notes without diluting the whiskey's structure; neat is the ideal first pour to appreciate the full texture. For cocktails, the high wheat content and elevated proof make it a versatile backbone:

• Paper Plane — The wheat sweetness balances the Aperol bitterness and amaro, keeping the drink smooth rather than sharp.
• Whiskey Sour — Its caramel and vanilla custard notes integrate beautifully with citrus and egg white, adding body without heaviness.
• Gold Rush — Honey syrup reinforces the existing honeycomb character, while lemon brightens the already crisp finish.

Best For

• Whiskey drinkers exploring wheat-forward expressions beyond standard wheated bourbons
• Gifting to an enthusiast who appreciates innovative mashbills and production techniques
• Building a home bar collection that showcases distinct American whiskey subcategories
• Side-by-side tastings comparing wheat whiskey, wheated bourbon, and traditional bourbon profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Double Wheat taste like? Old Elk Double Wheat delivers a silky palate of caramel, vanilla custard, and honeycomb, accented by gentle cinnamon and baking spice. The finish is bright and crisp with lingering fruit notes and a clean cereal sweetness.

How does Double Wheat compare to Old Elk Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon? The Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon leans into a sweeter, dessert-like profile with more pronounced caramel, stone fruit, and a thicker mouthfeel. Double Wheat is brighter and more complex, trading that richness for elevated proof, additional grain nuance, and a crisper finish.

Is Double Wheat good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 107.1 proof, the Slow Cut proofing process and wheat-heavy mashbill produce a remarkably smooth, approachable whiskey that rewards neat sipping. A few drops of water further unlock floral and honeycomb aromatics.

Where is Double Wheat made? The whiskey is distilled at Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and produced under the direction of Old Elk Distillery, which is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What foods pair well with Double Wheat? Warm apple tart with cinnamon mirrors the whiskey's baking spice notes. Aged Gruyère complements the caramel and honeycomb character. Crème brûlée echoes the vanilla custard on the palate. Pecan pie amplifies the nutty, sweet grain profile. Smoked salmon offers a savory contrast that highlights the wheat's floral side.

What sizes does Double Wheat come in? Old Elk Double Wheat Straight Whiskey is available in a standard 750ml bottle.

Is Double Wheat worth the price? Double Wheat positions as a premium expression within Old Elk's lineup, justified by its innovative dual-whiskey blending, higher proof, and consistent critical acclaim including two Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Why Double Wheat?

What sets this whiskey apart is a production concept that genuinely has few parallels: blending a 95% wheat whiskey with a 51% corn wheated bourbon to create a composite 71.5% wheat mashbill that neither component could achieve alone. Greg Metze's Slow Cut proofing — adding water in small increments over weeks — preserves volatile flavor compounds that standard proofing strips away, which is why the whiskey drinks so smoothly at 107.1 proof. Back-to-back Double Gold medals at the 2022 and 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm this is not a one-off success but a consistently exceptional release. For anyone seeking a wheat whiskey that pushes beyond the softness typically associated with the grain and into genuinely complex territory, this expression earns serious consideration.