Old Elk Unveils the Most Interesting Whiskey of the Year

While Kentucky, Tennessee, and even Indiana all have long been known for their top-flight brown liquor, a new crop of U.S. states now produce bottles worth discussing. Case in point: Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, CO. On top of a strong core lineup, the distillery just added a new bottle to its Cask Finish Series: Straight Wheat Whiskey finished in French Limousin oak cognac casks.

Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey—which is made from a mash bill of 95 percent soft red winter wheat and five percent malted barley—is first aged for six years, then matures for an additional six months to a year in French Limousin oak. The nose offers aromas of rich apricot, sandalwood, caramel, and candied orange. The palate delivers honeycomb, orange blossom, and caramel, leading to a long, rich finish.

“We have seen great success within our previous Cask Finish Series releases, so it made sense to create another unique bottling, this time using our Straight Wheat Whiskey,” says Luis Gonzalez, CEO of Old Elk.

Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey is now available at retailers across the U.S. with a suggested retail price of $90 per 750ml bottle.

To be considered straight wheat whiskey, the liquid must have a mash bill of at least 51 percent wheat and age in new charred oak barrels for at least two years. Over the last decade, wheated whiskeys in general have built strong reputations. That’s thanks in part to bourbons that include wheat in their mash bills like Old Fitzerald, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle. The grain adds a smooth, subtle sweetness different from corn, rye, and malted barley.

Related: The Best Wheated Bourbons to Buy When You Can’t Find Pappy