Old Elk Infinity Blend 750ML

Old Elk Infinity Blend 750ML is a barrel-proof American whiskey from Fort Collins, Colorado, bottled at approximately 57% ABV (114–115 proof) in a 750ml format. The 2022 edition earned a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing this annual release as one of the more compelling blended whiskeys produced in the American craft space.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~57% (varies by release)  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA  |  Barrel Proof Blend  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery

Production & Heritage

Old Elk Distillery operates out of Fort Collins, Colorado, under the direction of Master Distiller Greg Metze, who brings more than 38 years of distilling experience, including an extensive tenure at MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The Infinity Blend is built on a true solera-inspired concept: each annual release incorporates a significant portion — roughly 15 to 18 percent — of the previous year's finished blend, creating layered continuity that deepens with every edition. The 2023 release, for example, comprises 43.2% seven-year wheat whiskey, 40% eight-year high-malt bourbon, 1.5% ten-year wheat whiskey, and 15.3% of the 2022 Infinity Blend. Old Elk employs a proprietary slow-cut proofing method in which full-barrel-proof whiskey is gradually diluted and allowed to rest repeatedly, a process that takes considerably longer than the industry-standard 24 to 48 hours and is designed to integrate water and spirit more seamlessly before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with toasted white bread dusted in cinnamon sugar, followed by orange marmalade and the caramelized richness of crème brûlée. Warm baking spices, mature toasted oak, and a thread of spiced honey develop underneath.

Taste: Entry is immediate and full, led by butterscotch and almond from the wheat whiskey component, quickly followed by a burst of warm caramel and juicy orange citrus. The mid-palate builds with praline pecans, cinnamon toast, gingerbread, and toasted malt syrup, while traces of peach pie and marzipan surface as the proof asserts itself. Despite the barrel-strength heat, the blend maintains a cohesive sweetness balanced by charred oak tannins.

Finish: Long and layered, with cinnamon spice building steadily into charred marshmallow and a lingering gritty texture. Almond and marzipan notes persist, anchored by toasted malt and a subtle dryness from the oak influence.

How to Drink Old Elk Infinity Blend

Neat with a few drops of water is the primary serve — the slow-cut proofing already does much of the integration work, so a small dilution opens up the citrus and pastry notes without muting the barrel-proof intensity. A single large ice cube is also effective for those who prefer a cooler, more gradual evolution of flavor.

• Old Fashioned: The high proof and caramel-forward profile stand up to sugar and bitters without losing definition.
• Boulevardier: The wheat whiskey's butterscotch and orange notes complement sweet vermouth and Campari's bitter edge.
• Whiskey Sour: Citrus juice amplifies the blend's natural orange character, while the barrel strength keeps the spirit present through dilution.

Best For

• Annual collecting — each release offers a new blend composition with continuity from prior years
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values barrel-proof complexity
• Side-by-side tastings comparing yearly Infinity Blend editions
• After-dinner sipping alongside rich desserts like pecan pie or crème brûlée

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Elk Infinity Blend taste like? The dominant profile centers on warm caramel, butterscotch, and orange citrus, supported by cinnamon baking spice, praline pecans, and toasted malt. The barrel-proof strength adds intensity, with a long finish of marzipan and charred marshmallow.

How does Old Elk Infinity Blend compare to Four Roses OBSK? Both are high-proof whiskeys with significant spice and complexity; Four Roses OBSK (approximately 118 proof, 10 years old) has been noted by reviewers as delivering a more robust and layered single-barrel experience, while the Infinity Blend offers a broader flavor spectrum through its multi-whiskey blending approach and wheat-whiskey sweetness.

Is Old Elk Infinity Blend good for sipping neat? Yes — the slow-cut proofing method is specifically designed to make barrel-proof whiskey approachable neat, and a few drops of water further unlock the citrus and pastry aromatics.

Where is Old Elk Infinity Blend made? It is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado, under Master Distiller Greg Metze, who developed the blend and the distillery's proprietary slow-cut proofing process.

What foods pair well with Old Elk Infinity Blend? Pecan pie and praline desserts echo the nutty sweetness; aged cheddar or Gruyère contrasts the caramel notes; dark chocolate with orange peel mirrors the citrus thread; cinnamon-spiced apple tart complements the baking-spice backbone; smoked pork belly balances the whiskey's richness with savory fat.

What sizes does Old Elk Infinity Blend come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this annual limited expression.

Is Old Elk Infinity Blend worth the price? It positions as a premium barrel-proof expression within the American whiskey category, and the Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 92-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge suggest strong critical validation at its price tier.

Why Old Elk Infinity Blend?

The defining feature is the cumulative blend structure — each annual release carries DNA from every previous edition, meaning the 2023 bottle contains whiskey molecules traceable back to the inaugural 2021 release. Greg Metze's decision to build the blend from distinct components — aged wheat whiskey, high-malt bourbon, and decade-old stocks — rather than relying on a single mashbill gives each edition uncommon breadth. The Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 92-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge validate the approach with hard numbers. For drinkers drawn to barrel-proof American whiskey that prioritizes blending craft over single-barrel selection, the Infinity Blend occupies a niche that few domestic producers have attempted at this level of transparency and ambition.