Old Elk 10 Year Wheat Whiskey (2026)

MSRP: $69.99

Mash: 96% soft red winter wheat, 4% malted barley

Proof: 103

Age: 10 years

Nose: brown butter, citrus peel, some charred oak, it's very sweet and enticing, there's an almost tea like florality hidden beneath the strong citrus and sweetness, and a bit of raw wheat as well

Palate: much like the nose, there is a massive amount of sweetness and citrus. The palate feels brighter, less brown butter and more like a toffee, followed by chocolate orange, strawberry, lemon curd and some nice soft oak

Finish: medium to long finish of caramelized citrus

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

Thoughts: This is much brighter of a whiskey than I typically enjoy. It is extremely citrus heavy and caramel forward. Honestly none of this is surprising to me as a wheat whiskey. Everything I've experienced here is almost the most standard wheat whiskey notes you could get. HOWEVER, this may be one of, if not the best wheat whiskies I've had. If you're unsure on wheat whiskey, this is a fantastic place to explore the category given the absolutely excellent value here. At only $69.99, I don't believe there are any other wheat whiskeys on the market at this age and price. I can't wait to compare this to the Bernheim Anniversary release that is also 10 years old (but $15 more expensive).

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 by the distillery for an honest and unbiased review

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