Old Elk Wheated Bourbon 750ML

Old Elk Wheated Bourbon 750ML is a Colorado-made wheated bourbon bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml format. Awarded 91 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition, this expression stands out for its remarkably high wheat content and a proprietary proofing method that few American distilleries employ.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA  |  No Age Statement  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery

Production & Heritage

Old Elk Distillery operates out of Fort Collins, Colorado, founded by master distiller Greg Metze, a veteran with decades of experience at one of the world's largest bourbon producers. The Wheated Bourbon uses a mashbill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley — a wheat ratio that dwarfs the typical 15–20% found in most wheated bourbons. What truly distinguishes the production is the Slow Cut proofing process: rather than cutting the spirit to bottle proof in a single 24-to-48-hour window, Old Elk reduces proof incrementally over multiple weeks, allowing the water and spirit to integrate gradually. The result is a bourbon that achieves a noticeably rounder, more cohesive texture without sacrificing complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich toffee and warm vanilla ice cream, followed by layers of caramel and delicate floral undertones. There is a gentle sweetness throughout, free of sharp grain or heavy ethanol presence.

Taste: On entry, the palate is coated in cream and soft caramel, building quickly into vanilla custard and toasted almonds at mid-palate. A hint of baking spice — specifically clove — emerges near the peak, balancing the wheat-driven sweetness with just enough structure. Milk chocolate rounds out the mid-palate, reinforcing the dessert-like character.

Finish: The finish is smooth and coating, lingering with toffee and vanilla that fade gradually rather than dropping off. There is a pleasant warmth without heat, and the toasted almond note returns at the very end.

How to Drink Old Elk Wheated

At 92 proof, this bourbon is approachable neat and rewards a few minutes of rest in the glass to let the floral and caramel aromas open up. A single large ice cube will amplify the creamy texture without diluting the flavor. For cocktails, three strong options: a Bourbon Old Fashioned, where the high wheat content delivers a silkier, sweeter base than rye-heavy alternatives; a Paper Plane, where the toffee and almond notes complement Amaro Nonino beautifully; and a Whiskey Sour, where the natural sweetness and velvety body balance citrus without needing excessive simple syrup.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring high-wheat mashbill expressions beyond the standard offerings
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates craft production details and Colorado distilling
• After-dinner sipping alongside chocolate desserts or caramel-forward sweets
• Building a home bar collection that showcases regional American bourbon diversity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Elk Wheated taste like? Old Elk Wheated Bourbon leads with rich caramel, vanilla, and cream, supported by toasted almond and a subtle clove spice. The overall profile is soft and dessert-like, with very little burn despite its 92 proof.

How does Old Elk Wheated compare to Weller 12? Weller 12 is an age-stated 12-year bourbon from Buffalo Trace at 90 proof with a lower wheat percentage in its mashbill, delivering more oak and dried fruit. Old Elk Wheated, with 45% wheat and the Slow Cut proofing process, tends toward a creamier, more vanilla-forward profile and is significantly easier to find on shelves.

Is Old Elk Wheated good for sipping neat? Yes — the Slow Cut proofing process creates an unusually smooth integration of water and spirit, making this bourbon very comfortable neat at 92 proof. Newcomers and experienced drinkers alike will find the palate approachable.

Where is Old Elk Wheated made? Old Elk Wheated Bourbon is distilled and produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado, located along the Front Range at the edge of the Rocky Mountains.

What foods pair well with Old Elk Wheated? Crème brûlée works naturally alongside the caramel and vanilla notes. Pecan pie amplifies the toasted nut character. Dark chocolate truffles complement the milk chocolate mid-palate. Aged Gouda echoes the toffee sweetness with a savory counterpoint. Grilled stone fruit with honey mirrors the soft, sweet aromatics.

What sizes does Old Elk Wheated come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format for this expression.

Is Old Elk Wheated worth the price? Old Elk Wheated Bourbon positions as a mid-premium wheated bourbon, sitting above mass-market options but below allocated rarities. The 45% wheat mashbill, Slow Cut proofing, and 91-point Ultimate Spirits Challenge rating give it strong credibility relative to its price tier.

Why Old Elk Wheated?

The defining differentiator here is the combination of an extreme wheat ratio — 45%, roughly double or triple the industry norm — with the Slow Cut proofing process that takes weeks rather than days. This is not simply a marketing distinction; the texture of this bourbon is measurably different from conventionally proofed wheated bourbons, presenting a near-seamless integration of grain sweetness and alcohol. A 91-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition validate what the palate confirms. For drinkers who have been chasing allocated wheated bourbons with diminishing returns, Old Elk offers a genuinely distinct alternative rooted in process rather than scarcity.