Old Elk 10 Year Straight Bourbon (2026)

MSRP: $69.99

Mash: 51% corn, 34% malted barley, 15% rye

Proof: 105

Age: 10 years

Nose: surprisingly grain forward, it almost leans single malt forward with a slightly tropical element, as it sits it unveils heavy cane sugar, tobacco and fig

Palate: the grain and single malt elements disappear almost completely, replaced instead by a viscous sugary syrup, leather, fig newton, honeysuckle and pear

Finish: medium to long finish of pear and leather

Rating: Buy it (Out of Hoard, Buy, Try, Pass)

Thoughts: Although still a delicious whiskey that is well worth the price of entry, this surprised me by not being quite as good as I expected. I've had quite a bit of Old Elk in the past, and this one didn't wow me as much as some of the single barrels have. It's still great, and at a phenomenal price, but I wanted more out of it. This is well worth it, but I'll be more excited about the single barrels to come at this higher age statement.

What's the Deal?: Old Elk was bought out by Middle West and disappeared almost as quick as the sale was announced. Nobody knew what the future held for the brand, and nobody knew what would happen to the whiskey itself. The announcement of this 10 Year collection as the return of Old Elk was a welcome surprise. The whiskey was older, and cheaper. I'm still not entirely sure what the future holds for Old Elk, but this is definitely a step in the right direction, and one to be very excited about.

This sample was provided to me free of charge for an unbiased and honest review

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