Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon – A Smooth Sip with 44% ABV

In the ever-growing world of American whiskey, one name has steadily earned respect for craftsmanship, smoothness, and innovation—Old Elk. And if you’re someone who enjoys discovering bourbons with character and charm, Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon is a bottle worth savoring.

Crafted with precision and bottled at 44% ABV (88 proof), this whiskey offers a perfect balance between richness and drinkability. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening neat or mixing a cocktail with finesse, Old Elk’s signature blend is designed to please.

Let’s explore what makes Old Elk stand out—from its mash bill to its mellow spice—and why this bourbon deserves a spot on your shelf.

📜 A Newcomer with Deep Roots

Though Old Elk may be newer in the bourbon market compared to century-old distilleries, it’s quickly earned credibility. Founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, by entrepreneur Curt Richardson (the creator of OtterBox), Old Elk Distillery is led by Greg Metze, a master distiller with over 40 years of experience at MGP.

Old Elk was built with one purpose: reimagine what premium bourbon can be—smooth, complex, and rich in character.

🧪 Alcohol Content and What It Means

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 44%

• Proof: 88

• Type: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Style: Small Batch

With an ABV of 44%, Old Elk Blended Bourbon hits a sweet spot. It’s strong enough to deliver a robust bourbon experience, yet smooth enough for everyday sipping or sophisticated cocktails.

This level of alcohol also helps highlight the complexity of the bourbon’s ingredients—especially the unusually high malted barley content.

🧬 A Unique Mash Bill

One of Old Elk’s standout features is its distinct mash bill, carefully crafted to enhance mouthfeel, flavor, and smoothness:

• 51% Corn

• 34% Malted Barley (much higher than average)

• 15% Rye

Most bourbons use just 5–10% malted barley, but Old Elk’s use of 34% is groundbreaking. Why?

• Malted barley adds creaminess, toasty notes, and a smooth finish

• The rye brings a gentle spice

• Corn offers sweetness and body

This mash bill gives Old Elk a signature flavor profile you won’t find in many other bourbons.

👃 Tasting Notes – What You Can Expect

Every glass of Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon is an invitation to savor depth, warmth, and sophistication.

👃 Aroma (Nose)

From the moment you open the bottle, you’re greeted with a welcoming aroma of:

• Toffee

• Caramel

• Vanilla

• Hints of almond, light oak, and dried fruit

It’s rich and creamy without being overwhelming—perfect for a nose-first experience.

👅 Palate (Taste)

On the first sip, the whiskey delivers a silky, full-bodied mouthfeel, followed by flavors of:

• Butterscotch

• Baking spice

• Toasted coconut

• Warm cereal grains

There’s a balance of sweetness and spice, without the ethanol burn you might expect at this proof.

🔥 Finish

The finish is long, warm, and smooth, with lingering notes of:

• Nutmeg

• Cinnamon

• Oak tannin

• A touch of malted milk ball sweetness

It wraps up cleanly and invites another sip.

🥃 How to Drink Old Elk

Old Elk is remarkably versatile, meaning there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

✅ Best Ways to Serve:

• Neat: Enjoy in a Glencairn glass to appreciate its full aroma and flavor.

• On the Rocks: A large ice cube opens up more sweetness.

• With a Splash of Water: Helps reveal nutty, floral notes.

• Cocktails: Works wonders in high-end versions of classic drinks:

  • Old Fashioned

  • Manhattan

  • Whiskey Sour

  • Boulevardier

🍽️ Food Pairings

Pairing Old Elk with the right food can enhance the experience. Try it with:

• Smoked meats or BBQ brisket

• Sharp cheddar or blue cheese

• Chocolate truffles or pecan pie

• Grilled peaches or bourbon-glazed salmon

Its creamy texture and caramel base balance both sweet and savory dishes perfectly.

🏷️ Price & Availability

• Retail Price Range: $50–$65 (750ml)

• Available Sizes: Commonly 750ml; occasionally 375ml gift sets

• Availability: Widely available in the U.S., expanding globally

Old Elk is positioned in the premium mid-tier bourbon category—comparable to brands like Basil Hayden’s, Woodford Reserve, and Four Roses Small Batch.

🏆 Awards & Accolades

Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon has been consistently recognized for its quality and innovation:

• 🥇 Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition

• 🥃 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

• 🏅 Featured in Forbes, The Whiskey Wash, and Bourbon Review

It’s also become a fan favorite among bourbon clubs and enthusiasts who value craft whiskey.

🌱 Distillery Ethics & Innovation

Old Elk Distillery isn’t just about good whiskey—they’re passionate about doing things right.

• Non-chill filtered: Retains rich mouthfeel and flavor

• No additives or artificial coloring

• Bottled at optimum proof for taste, not mass production

• Committed to sustainable sourcing and local Colorado grains

Their focus on craftsmanship over shortcuts has helped set a new standard for young whiskey brands.

🤝 Who Is This Bourbon For?

Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon is the perfect companion for a wide range of drinkers:

✔️ Ideal For:

• Bourbon lovers who want something smooth yet rich

• Fans of malted barley-forward whiskies

• Cocktail enthusiasts seeking a top-shelf base

• People looking for premium gifts under $70

• New whiskey drinkers looking for easy-to-love complexity

❌ Not Ideal For:

• Fans of high-rye spice bombs

• Those who prefer super high-proof bourbon (100+ proof)

📊 Old Elk vs Similar Bourbons

Old Elk stands out with its malt-forward character and creamy smoothness—perfect for drinkers who want a silky alternative to the rye-heavy crowd.

📦 Bottle Design

Old Elk’s bottle is a statement piece:

• Thick glass with a sturdy base

• Natural cork closure

• Beautiful wooden cap

• Embossed logo and barrel info

It looks just as premium as it tastes—making it ideal for gifts, display, or just treating yourself.

✅ Final Thoughts: Is Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Worth It?

Absolutely. Old Elk brings together:

✔️ Master-level distillation
✔️ A unique, high-malt mash bill
✔️ Silky-smooth, full-bodied flavor
✔️ Craft-quality production
✔️ Reasonable pricing in the premium range

Whether you’re sipping, gifting, or exploring new flavors in bourbon, Old Elk delivers a polished and impressive experience—one that even veteran whiskey drinkers will appreciate.

📌 TL;DR – Quick Summary